How to Get a KRA PIN Certificate Online in Kenya (2026 Guide)

You get a KRA PIN certificate by registering on the KRA iTax portal at itax.kra.go.ke with your national ID number and personal details. If your details are in order, the PIN certificate is usually sent to your email shortly after you submit.

Last checked: November 2026. Confirm details on the official portal before you pay.

What is a KRA PIN?

A KRA PIN (Personal Identification Number) is your unique tax number from the Kenya Revenue Authority. It is an 11-character code that starts with a letter, for example A00XXXXXXXZ.

The PIN certificate is the document that shows your PIN, name and tax obligations.

Who needs a KRA PIN?

Almost every adult in formal work or business. Employers ask for it so they can deduct and remit PAYE. You also need it to:

• Get a formal job (most employers ask at the offer stage)
• Open some bank accounts and apply for loans
• Register a business or company
• Buy or transfer land and vehicles
• Apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate, which public sector jobs often require

What you need before you start

• Your national ID number (or alien ID / passport details for foreign residents)
• A personal email address you can access. KRA sends your PIN and iTax password there.
• Your phone number
• Your physical address and postal address
• Details of your employer if you are employed (their PIN)

Step-by-step: register for a KRA PIN on iTax

1. Go to itax.kra.go.ke.
2. Click New PIN Registration.
3. Choose Individual as the taxpayer type and Online form as the mode of registration.
4. Enter your ID number and date of birth. iTax checks these against the national registration records.
5. Fill in your details: personal information, contact details, address and email.
6. Under Obligation details, select Income Tax – Resident Individual for most employed people.
7. Add employment or income source details if asked.
8. Enter the security check (arithmetic question) and submit.
9. Check your email for your PIN certificate and iTax login details.

If you are unsure at any step, KRA service desks and Huduma Centres can help you register in person.

How long does it take?

For most individuals with correct ID details, online registration is quick and the certificate arrives by email soon after submission. Delays can happen if your ID details do not match government records.

How much does it cost?

KRA PIN registration on iTax is free. Be careful of anyone charging you to "register" a PIN; you can do it yourself at no cost, or ask at a KRA office or Huduma Centre.

How long is a KRA PIN valid?

Your PIN does not expire. It stays with you for life. You can download a fresh copy of the certificate whenever you need one.

How to reprint a lost KRA PIN certificate

1. Log in to itax.kra.go.ke with your PIN and password.
2. Open the Registration menu.
3. Choose the option to reprint or download your PIN certificate.
4. Download it as a PDF.

If you forgot your password, use Forgot Password / Unlock Account on the login page. A reset link or new password is sent to your registered email.

If you no longer have access to the email you registered with, contact KRA through the channels listed on the official site to update it.

Your obligations once you have a PIN

Having a PIN means you must file an annual income tax return by the deadline, even if you were unemployed. If you had no income, you file a nil return. If your employer deducted PAYE, you still file using the P9 form they give you.

Missing returns can lead to penalties and will stop you getting a Tax Compliance Certificate.

Common problems

• "Details do not match IPRS": your name or date of birth differs from national registration records. Visit a KRA office with your ID.
• Already registered: you may have been registered before, for example by an employer or bank. Use the PIN checker on iTax or visit KRA to recover it.
• No email received: check your spam folder and confirm the address you used.

Using your KRA PIN in a job application

Do not put your KRA PIN on your CV. Employers request it after an offer, together with NSSF and SHIF details. Our CV format guide explains what to leave off a CV.

For public jobs you will likely need more than your PIN. See our Chapter Six clearance checklist for the full list, and start looking at openings on the KaziMatch jobs board.