NAIROBI - A call to eliminate paper receipts from Kenyan supermarkets and retail outlets is gaining traction, citing environmental waste, consumer inconvenience, and the country's robust digital payment infrastructure. The proposal, articulated in a widely-circulated opinion piece on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by Dr. Kiogora Thiga, Head of the Business Department at Zetech University, suggests that Kenya is uniquely positioned to transition to a fully digital receipt system. [3]

Dr. Thiga, a specialist in procurement and supply chain management, argues that the daily habit of issuing paper receipts represents a significant inefficiency. [3, 18] For customers, these slips of paper often become clutter, are easily lost, and are seldom used unless required for warranties or expense claims. For businesses, they represent a recurring cost in paper and printing.

Health and Environmental Concerns

Beyond inconvenience, the environmental and potential health impacts of thermal paper, which is commonly used for receipts, are significant. Most thermal paper is coated with chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) or its substitute, Bisphenol S (BPS), to enable inkless printing. [5, 6] These substances are known endocrine disruptors and can be absorbed through the skin, posing potential health risks to cashiers and consumers who handle them frequently. [5, 7] Studies have shown that BPA levels in the bodies of cashiers can be significantly higher than in other occupations. [5]

Furthermore, due to these chemical coatings, the vast majority of receipts are not recyclable and contribute to landfill waste. [4] When they decompose, the chemicals can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term environmental degradation. [4] Dr. Thiga's argument aligns with a growing global push for more sustainable retail practices, leveraging technology to reduce waste.

A Digital Path Forward

The proposed solution hinges on leveraging Kenya's world-renowned digital finance ecosystem. With the near-ubiquitous use of mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, the infrastructure for a seamless transition already exists. Dr. Thiga suggests several digital alternatives:

• SMS or Email Receipts: Customers paying via mobile money or cards could automatically receive a digital receipt via a text message or email.
• In-App Receipts: Supermarket loyalty and banking apps could integrate e-receipts, allowing customers to easily store, search, and manage their purchase history.

This move would not only cut costs and reduce environmental impact but also enhance the customer experience by providing a secure and permanent record of transactions.

Aligning with Government Digitization

The proposal for consumer e-receipts complements the Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) ongoing rollout of the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS). Since early 2024, the KRA has mandated that all businesses, including those not registered for VAT, must issue electronic tax invoices to validate business expenses for tax purposes. [14, 15, 17] While eTIMS is a business-to-government system for tax compliance, a parallel consumer-facing digital receipt system would represent a comprehensive digitization of the country's transaction lifecycle.

Consumer Rights and Data Privacy

A transition to e-receipts raises important questions regarding consumer rights and data protection. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2012, consumers have a right to redress for faulty goods, which often requires proof of purchase. [22, 25] Legal experts confirm that a digital receipt holds the same legal standing as a paper one, provided it contains all the necessary transaction details. Many retailers already accept digital proof of purchase for returns and warranty claims. [26]

However, the collection of customer phone numbers or email addresses for sending receipts must comply with Kenya's Data Protection Act, 2019. [11, 12] The Act mandates that businesses must obtain explicit, informed consent from customers before collecting and processing their personal data. [9, 10] Retailers would need to ensure their processes are transparent, clearly stating the purpose of data collection and not using it for unsolicited marketing without separate consent. The burden of proof for establishing consent lies with the business. [11]

As the debate unfolds, the proposal to phase out paper receipts presents a compelling vision for a more efficient, sustainable, and digitally integrated Kenyan retail sector, challenging businesses and policymakers to innovate while safeguarding consumer rights.