The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation and tech collaboration through the second edition of its API Masterclass, which brought together over 1,000 developers registered on its GavaConnect Enterprise API platform.
Speaking at the event, KRA’s Deputy Commissioner for Program Delivery & Client Engagement, Annastacia Githuba, hailed GavaConnect as a groundbreaking achievement for the public sector. “Today marks a great opportunity for us at KRA to open up to the wider tech community,” she said. “This is not just about tax collection it’s about creating opportunities for developers to build, innovate, and even monetize around our products, helping us improve services from the ground up.”
GavaConnect is the first public sector platform in Kenya enabling seamless integration between businesses, private sector players, and KRA’s digital ecosystem. Since its launch, it has exposed 16 APIs, including tools for PIN and Tax Compliance Certificate verification, NIL Return filing, and e-Slip checking all designed to enhance taxpayer experience, support compliance, and boost operational efficiency.
The Masterclass offered participants a hands-on learning environment, featuring an Enterprise API (EAPI) vision briefing, live API demonstrations, and an open feedback session. Developers ranging from first-time onboarders to advanced solution builders—shared their experiences and proposed enhancements for future APIs.
KRA’s engagement with the developer community reflects a shift toward co-creating solutions that simplify tax compliance. By opening its services to integration, the authority is empowering innovators to create user-friendly applications that reduce bureaucratic hurdles for individuals and businesses alike.
Looking ahead, KRA plans to expand GavaConnect to support key tax initiatives, including the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) and advanced VAT compliance tools. These additions aim to further streamline reporting and compliance, especially for SMEs and enterprises that manage large transaction volumes.
The API Masterclass series stands as a testament to KRA’s evolving approach to tax administration placing developers at the center of innovation and aligning with the government’s broader agenda for digital service delivery. Through GavaConnect, KRA is setting a precedent for how public institutions can collaborate with the tech community to deliver smarter, faster, and more accessible services.
