Women entrepreneurs, chamas and self-help groups across Kenya are being invited to take part in free tax education sessions as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) steps up efforts to improve tax awareness and voluntary compliance.

In a notice issued on Monday, August 3, KRA said the programme is designed to help women-led groups understand their tax obligations and avoid costly mistakes that often arise from limited knowledge of tax laws.

"We are inviting women in business, chamas, self-help groups, fellowships and other women networks to register for free Tax Education Sessions," the authority said.

The initiative, branded Empowering Women Through Tax Education, forms part of KRA's wider public outreach campaign aimed at improving tax literacy among small businesses and community organisations.

According to the tax authority, the training will provide practical guidance on tax compliance, record keeping and financial management to help women-led enterprises grow while meeting their legal obligations.

Groups interested in participating are required to register by providing details including the organisation's name, email address, type of group, location, contact information and the number of members.

Chamas Still Have Tax Obligations

Alongside the announcement, KRA reminded chamas that they may have tax obligations depending on the nature of their activities.

While ordinary member contributions in merry-go-rounds and table banking schemes are generally treated as savings, income generated through lending activities, investments or business operations may attract tax under Kenyan law.

The authority noted that each chama should obtain its own KRA PIN, separate from those of its members, and register the appropriate tax obligations through the iTax system.

Registered groups are also expected to file annual tax returns, including nil returns where applicable, to remain compliant.

Non-Profit Organisations Not Fully Exempt

KRA also clarified the tax position of non-profit organisations.

The authority noted that donations received to support charitable work are generally not treated as taxable income. However, revenue generated through commercial activities may become taxable unless the organisation has been granted a formal tax exemption.

Non-profit organisations are also required to meet other statutory obligations, including registering for a KRA PIN, deducting and remitting Pay As You Earn (PAYE) where applicable, withholding tax on qualifying payments, and complying with VAT requirements unless specific exemptions apply.

The education programme comes as KRA continues to encourage voluntary compliance through public awareness initiatives while seeking to broaden Kenya's tax base.