How to Register & Use eTIMS Lite (*222#): Free KRA Guide for Kenyan SMEs

In Part 1 of this series, we looked at how KRA’s eTIMS rules affect your bottom line, and why failing to get an electronic invoice for your business expenses means paying tax on money you actually spent.

If you are a Mama Mboga, a Jua Kali artisan, a boda-boda operator, or a freelance contractor, you might be asking:

"Do I need to spend KES 30,000 buying an ETR machine or a fancy computer just to give my corporate clients an eTIMS receipt?"

The short answer is NO.KRA introduced eTIMS Lite, a completely free option designed specifically for micro, small, and informal traders.

You do not need internet access, a smartphone, or expensive software, you can issue valid tax invoices straight from a basic feature phone (mulika mwizi). Link1

 Here is your straightforward, step-by-step guide to setting up and using eTIMS Lite.

What Is eTIMS Lite?

eTIMS Lite is a simplified version of KRA’s electronic tax invoice system built for small traders. It operates through two simple platforms:

1. USSD Code (*222#): Works on any phone line (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom) without internet. 
2. eTIMS Portal / Mobile Web App: Accessible via smartphone or computer web browser for traders who prefer a screen interface. 

Both methods generate official KRA control numbers and QR code links that turn your sale into a fully deductible, tax-compliant invoice for your buyer. 

Method 1: Using USSD (*222#) on Any Basic Phone

This is the fastest method for field workers, artisans, market traders, and service providers on the go.

Phase A: One-Time Registration (Takes 2 Minutes)

1.Dial *222#:

Use the phone line linked to your KRA PIN.

Dial *222# from your mobile phone. Select Option 5 (KRA Services), then select Option 4 (eTIMS).

2.Select Registration:

Select Option 1 (Access Sales Invoice Service / Register).

3.Identity Verification:

Enter your National ID Number and your Year of Birth when prompted.

4.Confirm and Accept Terms:

Review your populated details, then select Option 1 to agree to the Terms & Conditions. 

You will receive a confirmation SMS stating your account is activated.

Phase B: How to Issue an Invoice via *222#

Once registered, generating a receipt takes less than a minute every time you make a sale:

1.Open eTIMS Sales Menu:

Dial *222# -> Select KRA Services -> Select eTIMS -> Select Sales Invoice.

2.Enter Buyer Details:

Select your business PIN, then enter the customer's KRA PIN (if selling to a company or formal business) or their phone number/name (if selling to an individual).

3.Enter Product/Service Details:

Type in what you sold (e.g., Welded Window Grills or 20 Bags of Potatoes).

4.Enter Quantity & Price:

Input the quantity sold (e.g., 2), followed by the unit price in KES (e.g., 5000).

5.Confirm and Send Receipt:

Review the summary on your screen and select Option 1 to confirm.

KRA will instantly send an SMS to both you and your buyer containing the Invoice Number and a web link to the official formatted KRA receipt.

Method 2: Using eTIMS Online Web Portal (Smartphones & Laptops)

If you have a smartphone or computer and prefer a visual dashboard to manage products and view monthly records, use the eTIMS Web Portal.

Step-by-Step Portal Setup:

1. Sign Up: Visit etims.kra.go.ke on your browser. Click Sign-Up and enter your KRA PIN.  
2. OTP Verification: Click Send OTP. Enter the security code sent to your iTax-registered phone number, then create your password.  
3. Select eTIMS Type: Log in, navigate to Service Request, choose eTIMS Online / eTIMS Lite, and upload a copy of your National ID.  
4. Register Items: Under Item Management, quickly add the products or services you offer (e.g., Consulting, Fresh Maize, Fabrication).  
5. Issue Invoices: Go to Transaction Management -> Sales Receipt -> Add. Select your customer, pick your item, set quantity and price, and click Save & Issue. 

Why eTIMS Lite Is a Game-Changer for Small Businesses

• It Protects Your Big Contracts: Corporate clients and large SMEs are actively dropping suppliers who cannot issue eTIMS invoices. Having *222# ready keeps you eligible for supply deals and tenders.
• It Costs KES 0: There are no hardware purchases, annual license fees, or maintenance costs. 
• It Speeds Up TCC Approvals: KRA now automatically cross-checks eTIMS status when you apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC). Being onboarded ensures your TCC requests are never blocked.