Kenya Revenue Authority announces 12-hour customs system shutdown

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a scheduled 12-hour shutdown of its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) on Sunday, September 13. The maintenance is set to occur between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., affecting all stakeholders who rely on the platform for customs-related services.

This planned downtime follows recent discussions between the KRA and various industry stakeholders, including the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), clearing agents, and motor vehicle dealers. These groups had previously raised concerns regarding cargo clearance processes.

In response to these concerns, the KRA clarified that the requirement for an export declaration when clearing imported goods is legally mandated under Section 23B of the Tax Procedures Act. The authority stated its role is to implement legislation passed by Parliament while facilitating legitimate trade operations.