What Is a PIN Certificate and Why Do You Need One in Kenya? (2025 Guide)

A complete guide to understanding the KRA PIN Certificate in Kenya. Learn what it is, how to get one, and when it’s required in 2025.

🧾 What Is a PIN Certificate?

A PIN Certificate is an official document issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) showing your registered Personal Identification Number (PIN).

It’s a basic requirement for any Kenyan individual or business engaging in formal transactions — from opening a bank account to registering a business.

📌 What Details Are on a PIN Certificate?

Your KRA PIN Certificate includes:

Your full name or business name
KRA PIN
Registration date
Tax obligation (e.g. Income Tax Resident, VAT, PAYE, etc.)
Status (Active/Inactive)

🧑🏽‍💼 Who Needs a KRA PIN Certificate?

Anyone involved in the following in Kenya:

You Want To…	PIN Certificate Needed?
Open a bank account	✅ Yes
Get paid as a supplier	✅ Yes
Apply for a job (public sector)	✅ Yes
Register land or motor vehicle	✅ Yes
Import goods	✅ Yes
File taxes (VAT, Income Tax, PAYE)	✅ Yes
Register a company	✅ Yes

Even if you’re unemployed or a student, you may still need it when applying for certain services.

📥 How to Download Your PIN Certificate (2025)

Step 1: Log in to iTax

Go to https://itax.kra.go.ke

Step 2: Go to ‘Registration’ → ‘Reprint PIN Certificate’

On the top menu, click “Registration”
Choose “Reprint PIN Certificate”

Step 3: Click Submit

No need to change any details
Just hit “Submit”

Step 4: Download PDF

The system will generate your PIN Certificate as a PDF
Save and print if needed

🧠 Why It’s Important (Real-Life Examples)

Jane wants to register a business — the Registrar asks for her PIN Certificate.
Mark, a freelance web designer, can’t get paid by a corporate client until he sends his PIN.
A company wants to bid for a government job — they must upload a valid PIN Certificate.

🛠️ How to Check if Your PIN Is Active

Use KRA’s PIN Checker Tool:
https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/pinChecker.htm

Enter the KRA PIN → If “Active” appears, you’re good to go. If “Invalid”, you may need to update your records.

💬 FAQs

Q: Is a PIN the same as a TCC?

No. A PIN Certificate shows your registration details. A TCC (Tax Compliance Certificate) confirms you’ve filed and paid taxes.

Q: Do minors need a PIN?

Not usually, unless under special circumstances (e.g., property inheritance or business ownership).

Q: Is the PIN Certificate free to download?

Yes. KRA does not charge for PIN registration or certificate reprints.

📣 Call to Action

Lost your PIN Certificate? Don’t worry — just follow the steps above to reprint it from iTax.
💬 Need help understanding your tax obligations? Contact Ushuru.com or subscribe for free tips.