How To Integrate KRA eTIMS API With Your Point Of Sale Or System

eTIMS is a software solution by KRA that offers taxpayers a simple, convenient, and flexible way to manage electronic invoicing. It is accessible across a range of computing devices, ensuring ease of use and broad compatibility. Businesses can now generate and submit invoices using the following options:

 

  • Online Portal – a web-based platform for invoicing accessible via etims.kra.go.ke
  • eTIMS Client – a downloadable software that supports multiple branches and cashier tills/pay points. The software can be configured for both Windows and android devices, i.e. Windows based computers & laptops, android smart phones, tablets & Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices
  • eTIMS Lite (Web) – a web-based solution accessible through eCitizen.
  • eTIMS Lite (USSD) – accessed through the short code *222#. This solution is for individuals and sole proprietors.
  • eTIMS Lite (Mobile app) – accessible on Play Store and Apple Store.
  • eTIMS System to System Integration – This solution is tailored for businesses with an invoicing system and would like to integrate with eTIMS i.e., Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU) and Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU).
  • Reverse Invoicing and Buyer Initiated Solution – both solutions enable the buyer to generate a tax invoice on behalf of a seller.

 

In this case, we will focus on the OSCU(Online Sales Control Unit) and VSCU(Virtual Sales Control Unit) and how businesses can integrate their point of sale or system. KRA advises businesses that have a lot of transactions to consider using OSCU or the VSCU. 

OSCU is preferred for businesses that primarily have their operations done in an online setting, while VSCU is good for businesses that are not always online.

 

KRA eTIMS Login
KRA eTIMS Sign Up
KRA eTIMS Service Request

Registering for OSCU and VSCU

 

The two implementations(OSCU and VSCU) follow a similar signup process:

 

  1. Visit the eTIMS portal.
  2. Select the Sign Up option.
  3. Enter the PIN number of your business and click the verify button. This will auto-populate the other input fields with the details of your business.
  4. The Send OTP button, when clicked, would send a one-time password to the registered phone number. There are cases where you might want to change the phone number, you can do this by going to iTax and updating it there. Consider contacting timsupport@kra.go.ke for any incidental technical issue.
  5. Once you have been able to Sign Up, you will then log in and choose the type of eTIMS solution you would want(OSCU or VSCU). This will be done by selecting the Service Request tab, then eTIMS.
  6. You will be required to submit details of the directors and confirm the same using the personal PIN of the directors, together with their corresponding mobile phone numbers. An OTP will be sent to the directors to confirm this action.
  7. In the Service Information section, you will be presented with the eTIMS type options: eTIMS Client, Online, VSCU and OSCU. Select the preferred option and proceed.

 

Integrating Into Your System

Depending on the eTIMS type selected above, we can then proceed to integrate your point of sale or system to KRA. Symatech Labs’s implementation covers all the options above.

Recently the government placed a notice on all petrol stations to integrate eTIMS by June 30th 2025 as part of their compliance requirement. 

 

Symatech Labs is a Software Development company based in Nairobi, Kenya that specializes in Software Development, Mobile App Development, Web Application Development, Integrations, USSD and Consultancy.