Plain-English answers to the property, rent, and KRA terms Kenyan landlords run into.
An M-Pesa Paybill is a Safaricom business shortcode that lets a business or landlord collect payments, with an account number so each payment is attributable — ideal for rent.
MRI tax is a simplified Kenyan tax on residential rental income, charged at a flat 7.5% of gross rent for landlords earning KSh 288,000–15,000,000 a year, filed monthly by the 20th.
eTIMS is KRA’s electronic Tax Invoice Management System for generating and transmitting compliant tax invoices in real time — including for landlords who invoice rent.
eRITS is KRA’s electronic Rental Income Tax System — a platform that helps Kenyan landlords declare rental income and manage their Monthly Rental Income tax electronically.
A rent tribunal is a Kenyan quasi-judicial body that resolves landlord–tenant disputes — rent, deposits, evictions, repairs — without going to court.
Property management software is a digital platform that helps landlords and agents collect rent, track tenants and leases, record payments and arrears, manage maintenance, and report — all in one place.
Paybill vs Till: a Paybill takes an account number so payments are attributable (best for rent), while a Till (Buy Goods) is for quick purchases with no account field.