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4 clusters · 7 sources · 21 days · First seen · Last updated

Kenya customs digitalization and trade reforms

Overview

In mid‑July 2026 the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) platform would become mandatory for all containerised cargo arriving at Kenyan ports on 3 August, prompting warnings from South African hauliers about possible bottlenecks. By late July KRA reported customs collections for FY 2025/26 of Ksh 988.8 billion, marginally above its Ksh 980.8 billion target. The surplus was attributed to strong oil and non‑oil streams, the rollout of the eCustoms mobile app, the Authorized Economic Operator programme, upgrades to the Integrated Customs Management System, and a new memorandum of understanding with India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs for real‑time data exchange.

KRA and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) deepened collaboration through a memorandum of understanding, highlighting the Smart Gates project at the Port of Mombasa and the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) to automate truck identification, share data and cut clearance delays.

On 3 August KRA launched the ACD system, requiring exporters, freight forwarders, shipping lines and clearing agents to obtain a 15‑digit ACD reference code and print it on the final Bill of Lading. Non‑compliance can trigger customs holds, inspections, penalties or fines. KRA says the measure will improve cargo visibility, digitise shipment management and speed clearance.

Shortly after the launch, a Kenyan technology firm filed a court petition alleging that the ACD replicates its 2023 cargo‑tracking concept and seeking either a halt to the system or a 30 % royalty on the efficiencies generated. KRA and the Treasury have not yet responded, adding a legal dimension to the ongoing digital customs reforms.

Entities

Kenya Revenue Authority · iSCAN platform · Tech company (unnamed) · Kenya · Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd.

Timeline

  1. 11 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Kenya Revenue Authority requires advance cargo declaration code for all imports

    From 3 Aug 2026, Kenya's tax authority mandates a 15‑digit Advance Cargo Declaration code for all imports, requiring exporters to upload shipping documents online and display the code on the Bill of Lading, or

  2. 14 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Kenya Revenue Authority's new cargo declaration system faces lawsuit

    Kenya's revenue authority launched the Advance Cargo Declaration system while scheduling iSCAN maintenance, and faces a lawsuit from a tech firm claiming the system copies its technology.

  3. 20 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Kenya Revenue Authority exceeds customs revenue target and teams up with ports authority to speed cargo clearance

    Kenya's revenue authority beat its customs target, collecting Ksh 988.8 bn, and partnered with the ports authority to integrate systems and accelerate cargo clearance at Mombasa.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Kenya's Advance Cargo Declaration system risks regional trade

    Kenya's KRA will enforce a new Advance Cargo Declaration system on Aug 3, requiring exporters to pre‑file documents; South African freight groups warn the three‑week rollout could cause port delays and higher c

Sources

fashonation.com · freightnews.co.za · kenyans.co.ke · nairobileo.co.ke · nairobiwire.com · one-line.com · uzalendonews.co.ke

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history