You just got your payslip from that Nairobi job, saw the PAYE deduction, and felt that familiar pinch. But a tiny voice in your head asks: “Is my employer actually sending this money to KRA, or are they just keeping it?” You’re not paranoid. Stories of companies deducting but not remitting are too common.
This guide is your digital weapon. We’ll show you exactly how to verify that your employer is filing and paying your PAYE correctly. No jargon, just the practical steps you can do on your phone right now.
Why You Must Check Your PAYE Status
It’s not just about KRA catching up with you later. If your employer isn’t remitting, your entire financial footprint is messed up. You won’t get a proper iTax statement (P9), which you need for loans, mortgages, or even to clear with KRA if you change jobs.
Worse, you could be flagged for non-compliance. Imagine trying to get a loan at your bank in Westlands only to be told your tax records are blank. Don’t let someone else’s negligence block your future.
The Three Pillars of Your Statutory Deductions
In Kenya, your monthly deductions rest on three pillars: PAYE (to KRA), NSSF, and NHIF. A shady employer might mess with one, two, or all three. You need to check each one separately. Think of it as a three-legged stool—if one leg is broken, everything falls.
Step 1: Check Your KRA iTax Account (The PAYE Source)
This is the main event. Your employer files a monthly return showing all salaries and the PAYE deducted. You can see this.
First, log into your KRA iTax portal. If you haven’t registered, use the KRA M-Service app or visit a Huduma Centre. Once in, navigate to the “Returns” section and look for “Employer Monthly Returns”.
You should see a monthly filing from your employer. Check if the “Tax Deducted” amount matches what’s on your payslip. If the column is empty or shows zero when your slip shows a deduction, that’s a major red flag.
Your iTax Statement (P9)
At the end of the financial year (by 28th February), your employer must give you a P9 form. This summarizes your annual earnings and tax paid. You can also download it from iTax.
If your employer hasn’t filed the monthly returns, this P9 will be incorrect or missing. This document is gold—keep it safe.
Step 2: Verify Your NSSF Contributions
NSSF is your long-term savings safety net. To check, you need your NSSF number. Use the USSD code *303# or download the NSSF Mobile App.
Select the contribution inquiry option. You should see regular monthly contributions reflecting the 6% deduction (your share plus your employer’s 6%). The amounts should match your payslip.
No records for months you’ve worked? Your employer is likely not remitting. This directly affects your future benefits.
Step 3: Confirm Your NHIF Deductions
For NHIF, dial *155# and follow the prompts for “Contribution Inquiry”. You can also use the MyNHIF app or check on their website.
The system will show your monthly contributions. Even if the amount is the standard KES 500, it must reflect every month you were employed. A gap means your employer pocketed that cash.
The Kenyan-Specific Reality Check: When to Act & Where to Go
Let’s be real. You’ve checked online and found discrepancies. Confronting your boss in the open-plan office at Anniversary Towers is not the move. You need a strategy.
First, gather evidence. Screenshot your empty iTax returns, your NSSF statement, and your payslips. Then, have a private, polite conversation with HR or your manager. Frame it as you “needing help to understand” why the records aren’t aligning. Sometimes it’s a genuine administrative error, especially common around the long rains season when systems and people slow down.
If that fails, you must escalate. For KRA issues, you can report directly to the Kenya Revenue Authority via their official whistleblower channels. For NSSF and NHIF, visit their offices. In Nairobi, the NSSF Building on Bishop Road is where you go. Be prepared with your evidence.
Local Pro-Tip: Before you even report, talk to a trusted senior colleague. Ask, “Hii kampuni, huwa ina-remit PAYE on time?” in a casual way. Office gossip often knows the truth about a company’s compliance history.
What If Your Employer Is Not Compliant?
Don’t panic, but act swiftly. Your first duty is to protect yourself. Continue paying your personal NHIF directly via M-Pesa (Paybill 200222) if you must, to keep your cover active.
Document everything. Every payslip, every email, every M-Pesa statement showing net pay. This paper trail is crucial. If you eventually leave, you’ll need this to regularize your tax status with KRA, which may involve filing returns for the “missing” income yourself to avoid penalties.
Remember, the law is on your side. The Employment Act and tax regulations mandate proper remittance. An employer failing to do this is breaking the law, not just company policy.
Red Flags That Your PAYE Might Be at Risk
Watch out for these signs from day one:
- Consistently late payslips: If the slip comes days after salary, it can indicate cashflow or filing problems.
- Payslips without company letterhead or KRA PIN: This is unprofessional and a huge red flag.
- Being paid partly via bank, partly in cash: A classic tactic to underreport your actual income to KRA.
- HR or finance being evasive when you ask for your P9 or about your iTax status.
Your Monthly PAYE Health Check Routine
Make this a habit, just like checking your M-Pesa statement:
- On Payday: Review your payslip. Confirm PAYE, NSSF, NHIF deductions.
- First Week of the New Month: Log into iTax. Check if last month’s return is filed with the correct tax.
- Quarterly: Do a deep dive. Check NSSF (*303#) and NHIF (*155#) for the past three months.
- Annually (January): Download your provisional P9 from iTax and compare it with your records.
This 15-minute routine saves you years of future headache.
Conclusion
Your PAYE is not just a deduction; it’s your contribution to the nation and your proof of income. Verifying that your employer is filing and paying your PAYE correctly is a non-negotiable part of adulting in the Kenyan job market. It protects your credit profile, your access to services, and your peace of mind.
Use the tools KRA, NSSF, and NHIF have provided—the USSD codes, the apps, the online portals. They are there for you. Don’t assume compliance; verify it. Start your health check today. Got a story or tip about verifying PAYE? Share it in the comments to help others in our community.