Optional integration
KRA eTIMS with BlueDuka
Only if your business needs it. BlueDuka works fully without eTIMS. If you connect your own KRA eTIMS registration, every sale goes to KRA by itself, and receipts carry KRA's invoice number, signature and QR code.
BlueDuka is not a KRA-certified eTIMS integrator. You apply to KRA for OSCU with your own KRA PIN, and KRA decides whether to approve it. Your business stays responsible for its tax records.
What happens once it is connected
- Every sale is sent to KRA in the background, so the checkout doesn't slow down
- Returns go to KRA as credit notes
- Receipts show KRA's invoice number, signature and QR code once KRA accepts the sale
- Sales made on the Windows app without internet go to KRA once they upload
- If KRA refuses a sale, you see the reason and can send it again. Refused or waiting sales never show KRA details on a customer's receipt
- Sales recorded through the BlueDuka API are sent the same way
Before you start
- BlueDuka on the Business plan or above (or the 14-day free trial)
- Your KRA PIN and iTax password
- Your own OSCU registration with KRA for each branch that sells. KRA decides how long approval takes, and you can sell on BlueDuka meanwhile
Step by step
Have your KRA PIN and iTax password
They are the same as for filing your returns on iTax (itax.kra.go.ke). Forgotten the password? Reset it on iTax first.
Apply to KRA for OSCU yourself
On KRA's eTIMS portal (etims.kra.go.ke), choose Sign Up, use the PIN option and confirm the code KRA sends to your phone.
Sign in, open Service Request, choose eTIMS and pick OSCU (Online Sales Control Unit), the type for businesses that sell with their own software. Don't choose eTIMS Lite or the eTIMS Client app.
Fill in and upload KRA's eTIMS Commitment Form. Register each branch that sells (head office is usually 00). KRA's test portal is etims-sbx.kra.go.ke if you want to try the sandbox first.
Wait for KRA's approval
KRA sends an SMS when it approves your request. Note your branch id and the device serial number for OSCU.
If KRA also gave you API keys (a Consumer Key and Secret), keep them private. If it didn't, you don't need any.
Connect it in BlueDuka
In the BlueDuka app, open Integrations, then KRA eTIMS. Tick that this is your shop's own registration, then enter your KRA PIN, branch id, device serial and, if KRA gave you any, the API keys.
Try Test (sandbox) first if you registered there. When KRA has approved you, tick that KRA approved the request, choose Live and press Save and connect.
Choose a default KRA item class, and switch on Send every sale to KRA.
Set the tax on your products
In Inventory, open each product and set its tax category, for example VAT 16%, exempt or zero-rated.
If your business is VAT-registered, switch on VAT-registered in Settings so receipts show VAT.
Check a receipt
Make a sale and open its receipt. After a few seconds it shows KRA's invoice number, signature and QR code.
If KRA refuses a sale, Integrations > KRA eTIMS shows the reason and lets you send it again.
If KRA gives you API keys, keep them private. Enter them only in BlueDuka's Integrations page; never send them on WhatsApp or by email. BlueDuka keeps them encrypted, and only the shop owner can see and change Integrations.
Questions
Do I need KRA eTIMS to use BlueDuka?
No. BlueDuka works fully without it, and nothing about KRA shows on your receipts, settings or reports until you connect it. Connect it only if your business needs to issue eTIMS invoices.
Is BlueDuka a KRA-certified eTIMS integrator?
No. BlueDuka connects to eTIMS with your business's own OSCU registration, which you apply for with your own KRA PIN. KRA decides whether to approve it, and your business stays responsible for its tax records.
Which eTIMS type should I apply for?
OSCU (Online Sales Control Unit), the type for businesses that sell with their own software. eTIMS Lite and the eTIMS Client app are separate ways of invoicing and don't connect to BlueDuka.
Which BlueDuka plan includes it?
The Business plan (KES 1,999 a month) and above, and every new shop during its 14-day free trial. BlueDuka charges nothing extra for it.
What happens to returns and sales made without internet?
Returns are sent to KRA as credit notes. Sales made on the Windows app without internet wait, and go to KRA by themselves once they upload.
I have several branches. What do I need?
Each branch that sells needs its own registration with KRA and its own device serial. Connect each branch in Integrations > KRA eTIMS.
Who do I ask about my eTIMS registration?
KRA handles registration and approval: its eTIMS team is at timsupport@kra.go.ke. For help with BlueDuka itself, call or WhatsApp BlueDuka.
Need help?
Call or WhatsApp BlueDuka on +254 727 177 155, Monday to Saturday. Never share your iTax password with anyone, including us.
Setting up payments too? See how to connect your M-Pesa till or paybill, or read the user guide.