Best eTIMS Invoicing App in Kenya: How to Choose (2026)
Short answer: There is no single best eTIMS app for every business. KRA's free eCitizen, USSD, mobile, portal and Client routes may fit simple workflows. A product such as Risiti may fit a business that wants phone-first invoicing, status visibility, PDF sharing and support. Existing POS or ERP systems may need OSCU or VSCU integration. Compare the full workflow and verify current product claims before choosing.
Start With the KRA Channel
| Route | Typical fit | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| eTIMS Lite Web / USSD / Mobile | Eligible non-VAT taxpayers and simpler workflows | Taxpayer eligibility, device support and required records |
| Online Portal | Manual browser invoicing | Supported transaction types, users and correction workflow |
| eTIMS Client | Installed pay points, goods or branch workflows | Installation, devices, connectivity and support |
| OSCU | Existing invoicing systems that are always online | Integrator status, sandbox tests, production setup and operations |
| VSCU | Bulk or not-always-online systems | Batch controls, reconciliation, certification and support |
Comparison Checklist
- ✓The solution fits your VAT status, taxpayer type, goods or services and branch setup.
- ✓Users can distinguish draft, pending, retrying, submitted and failed invoices.
- ✓The correction process uses the same solution that created the original invoice where KRA requires it.
- ✓Buyer PIN, tax type, item classification, payment method and totals are validated clearly.
- ✓PDFs and shared links are available only after KRA acceptance, not merely after local save.
- ✓Support can trace request IDs, receipt data and old pending submissions without exposing credentials.
- ✓Pricing includes implementation, support, hardware, connectivity and staff time—not only the advertised subscription.
KRA's Free Routes and Risiti
KRA says its eTIMS software is provided free of charge. A free official route can be the right choice when its eligibility and workflow fit the business.
Risiti is a separate product from PesaStack Limited. Its current Business configuration offers App, Direct API, and Platform API billing and focuses on a phone-first workflow, invoice status, PDF sharing, buyer notifications and M-Pesa billing. KRA onboarding and acceptance still control whether an invoice is successfully submitted.
Claims to Verify Before Buying
- ✓Ask for the exact KRA solution route and the legal entity shown in the current approved-integrator material where approval is claimed.
- ✓Ask whether the quoted price is public, current and inclusive of setup, support, extra users, branches and message fees.
- ✓Request a sandbox demonstration of failure, retry, duplicate prevention, credit notes and receipt recovery—not only the happy path.
- ✓Do not treat vendor testimonials or unsourced uptime claims as evidence of KRA availability or product reliability.
Official KRA Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Which eTIMS app is free in Kenya?
KRA says its eTIMS software is free, including its official online and Client options. Eligibility, devices and workflow differ by channel.
Is Risiti the KRA Risiti Legit app?
No. Risiti at getrisiti.com is PesaStack Limited's invoicing product. Risiti Legit is a separate invoice-verification app published by KRA.
How much does Risiti cost?
Current Business pricing is published on the Risiti eTIMS invoice page and includes App, Direct API, and Platform API modes. Confirm platform or integration pricing separately for API use.
Does using an app guarantee eTIMS compliance?
No app name alone guarantees the result. Correct taxpayer setup, accurate invoice data, KRA acceptance, record keeping and the applicable correction workflow all matter.
Last reviewed: July 2026. This guide summarizes current public KRA information and is not tax or legal advice. Confirm unusual cases with KRA or a qualified tax professional.