Is Orderly KRA eTIMS compliant?

Yes. eTIMS is built in and free on every plan, so each sale can carry a KRA tax invoice with a QR code.

Does eTIMS actually apply to my restaurant?

Almost certainly. eTIMS applies to VAT-registered businesses and to regulated sectors including hospitality, and KRA has removed the old KES 5 million turnover exemption, so businesses of all sizes are expected to issue eTIMS invoices. Please confirm your own position with your accountant or KRA.

What happens if I invoice without eTIMS?

An invoice issued without an eTIMS reference is not legally valid for tax purposes. Your buyer cannot claim the expense and KRA can disallow the transaction in an audit.

Why is eTIMS not included in every package?

Because it is real, ongoing engineering - KRA certification plus maintenance every time the API changes. Charging it separately keeps the base packages affordable.

What is the difference between OSCU and VSCU?

OSCU suits businesses whose invoicing is always online, while VSCU suits bulk or intermittently connected invoicing. We will advise which one fits your setup.

Does Orderly handle VAT and catering levy?

Yes. Configure your rates once and they apply correctly on every ticket and in every report.

KRA eTIMS · 2026 GUIDE

KRA eTIMS for restaurants, made simple

Q: How much does eTIMS cost?

Nothing. eTIMS is free on every plan, from Orderly POS (free) up to AI Ultra. There is no setup fee and no yearly fee.

eTIMS is KRA's system for tax invoices. It is not only for big businesses any more. If your restaurant gives invoices for taxable sales, it probably applies to you. Here is what it is, what changed and how I handle it for you.

Get eTIMS set up See the price

Set up instantly
No training needed

ETIMS

Every sale saved.

Invoice

YOUR RESTAURANT
Tax invoice · Example

Pilau beef ×21,200

Chapati ×4240

TOTAL KSh1,440

Paid · M-Pesa✓

KRA eTIMS

The short answer

eTIMS (Electronic Tax Invoice Management System) is how KRA checks tax invoices. Each invoice gets a KRA reference and a QR code. Without them, the invoice does not count for tax.

It used to apply only to VAT-registered businesses and those above a KES 5 million turnover. KRA has removed that threshold, and hospitality is named as a regulated sector. So most restaurants that issue invoices for taxable sales now need it, whatever their size.

Why it matters, in real life

Companies will ask for it. A business booking an event or a staff lunch needs an eTIMS invoice to claim the cost. No eTIMS invoice, no booking.
VAT. You cannot treat the sale as VAT-deductible without a valid invoice.
Audits. KRA can disallow a sale that has no eTIMS reference.

OSCU or VSCU? (Two ways to connect)

OSCU is for businesses that are always online when they invoice. Most restaurants with stable internet use this.

VSCU is for bulk invoicing, or places where the internet comes and goes.

Not sure? We look at how you invoice and tell you which one fits.

How to become compliant, step by step

Check your position with your accountant. Every business is a little different.
Make sure your KRA PIN and tax registration are up to date.
Choose OSCU or VSCU.
Connect your counter (POS) to eTIMS, or use a system that already does it, like me.
Test with real sales before you rely on it.
Show whoever issues invoices how it works.

What eTIMS costs with Orderly

Nothing. eTIMS is free on every plan, from Orderly POS (free) up to AI Ultra. There is no setup fee and no yearly fee. Every restaurant can give KRA tax invoices.

This page explains the rules in general terms. It is not tax advice. Please confirm your own obligations with your accountant or KRA.