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KRA eTIMS and ETR

What does “pending eTIMS sync” mean and how do I clear it?

Updated June 2026

Short answer

A pending eTIMS sync means an invoice was created on your device but has not yet been confirmed by KRA’s system, usually because the internet dropped at the moment it tried to send. The sale is not lost. A well-built eTIMS point of sale queues the invoice and sends it automatically once the connection returns, at which point the status changes from pending to confirmed.

More detail

Pending is the normal, expected state when you sell offline or on a weak line. It is the system protecting your sale rather than an error. The thing to avoid is a setup that simply fails the invoice when the line drops, because that is where records actually go missing.

If a sync stays pending long after your internet is clearly back, check that the device is genuinely online, then let it retry, since most systems re-send on a short cycle. If it still will not clear, it usually points back to a PIN or activation issue at KRA (see eTIMS error 90001) rather than the invoice itself. With Veira, queued invoices sync on reconnect without you having to do anything.

Free tools for this
eTIMS Readiness Checker for Kenyan Businesses

Related questions

Is my sale lost if eTIMS sync is pending?
No. The invoice is held on the device and sent to KRA when the connection returns. Pending means queued, not failed.
How long does a pending sync take to clear?
Usually moments after the internet is back, because the system retries automatically. If it lingers while you are clearly online, check for a PIN or activation issue.
Can I sell while invoices are pending?
Yes. A proper offline-capable eTIMS system keeps selling and syncs the backlog on reconnect, so you do not have to stop trading.

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Read more

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eTIMS Common Errors and How to Fix Them
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How to Generate an eTIMS Invoice (With a Worked Example)
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eTIMS Kenya: The Complete Guide for Businesses in 2026
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Solution
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Terms explained
eTIMS (Electronic Tax Invoice Management System)

More KRA eTIMS and ETR questions

Can eTIMS work without internet?What happens if eTIMS is down?Do I need eTIMS if I am not VAT registered?Is ETR still mandatory in Kenya?How long does eTIMS registration take?Can I use eTIMS on my phone?