The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a new mobile phone service that enables taxpayers to make enquiries through their devices in a bid to ease congestion at its outlets.

Taxpayers can now make inquiries through text message and the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology via their cell phones.

The service is accessible through mobile network operators such as Airtel, Orange, YU and Safaricom.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) HAS provided the necessary server and software technology together with the technical support for testing and launching of the service.

Among other services available through mobile phones for tax services in Kenya include customs services, domestic tax services and road transport services.

“The authority has plans to substantially automate its processes,” said KRA commissioner general, John Njiraini, during the tenth annual ‘Taxpayers’ Week’ in Kenya.