Kenya's Advance Cargo Declaration system risks regional trade

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will make its new Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) platform mandatory for all containerised cargo destined for Kenyan ports from 3 August. Exporters must upload a draft bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice and export declaration to obtain a unique ACD reference, which must be endorsed on the bill of lading before loading.

South African hauliers and other regional freight operators warn that the three‑week implementation window could create port bottlenecks and increase turnaround times. Road Freight Association (RFA) chief Gavin Kelly said the system “hits inland hauliers directly” and that “three weeks is a very tight window for a mandatory new digital system.” The RFA has written to KRA, the South African High Commission and trade ministries urging a phased rollout and regional coordination, noting similar digital customs initiatives in Zambia and Botswana.