Kenya’s tax authority has mandated that all Uber drivers on its platform submit valid tax identification numbers, tightening regulatory oversight of the country’s rapidly growing gig economy.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said drivers must upload a valid KRA PIN certificate via the Uber app by Jan. 30, 2026, warning that non-compliance could result in loss of access to the platform. Uber told drivers the certificate can be submitted through Account > Documents > KRA PIN, calling the requirement mandatory to comply with tax laws.
The directive affects an estimated 50,000 drivers, many of whom rely on ride-hailing for primary or supplemental income. Drivers earning above KES 24,000 per month are required to file monthly returns under the Pay-As-You-Earn or Turnover Tax schemes. Analysts warn that accounting, tax remittance, and vehicle inspection costs could reduce net earnings by 5–15%, particularly for part-time operators.
The requirement is part of broader government efforts to formalize the digital economy, with platform operators also expected to meet National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) standards, including valid driving licenses, vehicle registration, and inspection certificates. Authorities say these measures are designed to improve revenue collection and level the playing field between traditional and technology-driven businesses.
Kenya has in recent years intensified enforcement on online platforms, reflecting the sector’s rapid growth in East Africa’s largest economy. Ride-hailing services like Uber have become integral to urban transport, making regulatory changes closely watched by drivers, investors, and tech companies operating in the country.
