The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has collected more than Sh1 trillion in the first four months of the 2026/27 financial year, raising Sh1.010 trillion by the end of October. That’s a month earlier than it typically reaches the milestone.
In a statement on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the taxman said it collected Sh260.630 billion in October, beating its monthly target of Sh258.304 billion by Sh2.327 billion. The October haul represented a performance rate of 100.9 per cent and was 15.5 per cent higher than collections in the same month last year, when growth stood at eight per cent. KRA said the performance reflected stronger revenue mobilisation as it works towards its target of Sh3.268 trillion for the full financial year.
Customs had its best month ever, collecting Sh94.793 billion in October and breaking the previous record of Sh92.527 billion set in July 2026. The department beat its target by Sh1.009 billion, achieving a performance rate of 101.1 per cent, and grew by 11.3 per cent compared with October last year. Most of the growth came from non-oil taxes, which posted a surplus of Sh7.243 billion and rose by 26 per cent.
Domestic taxes also beat their target, bringing in Sh165.447 billion against a target of Sh164.110 billion. That was a surplus of Sh1.337 billion and growth of 18.1 per cent. Value Added Tax (VAT), excise duty, corporation tax, individual income tax, capital gains tax and stamp duty all came in above target.
Corporation tax was the standout performer, with collections of Sh23.932 billion against a target of Sh20.077 billion. That was a performance rate of 119.2 per cent and growth of 31.6 per cent. The electricity, manufacturing, transport and wholesale sectors accounted for about 81 per cent of the corporation tax collected during the month. Domestic VAT came in at Sh33.367 billion, slightly ahead of the Sh33.323 billion target, and grew by 22.1 per cent.
Domestic excise duty beat its target for the first time in a long period, posting a surplus of Sh945 million and growth of 54.1 per cent.
“The performance was driven by increased remittances from manufacturers of Keg Beer, Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits, and Tobacco, which recorded respective growth rates of 0.3 per cent, 43.5 per cent, 110.8 per cent and 94.1 per cent,” KRA said.
The strong collections come as the government steps up efforts to raise more revenue at home and reduce its reliance on borrowing to fund public spending.
KRA thanked taxpayers for their compliance.
“KRA appreciates all taxpayers for remaining committed to honouring their tax obligations and supporting Kenya’s economic sustainability and development,” the authority said.
