[REVISION HISTORY]

Kenya customs digitalization and trade reforms

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-04 13:40 UTC → 2026-09-08 07:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. Shortly after the launch, a Kenyan technology firm filed a court petition alleging that the ACD replicates its 2023 cargo‑tracking concept. In September 2026, KRA expanded its digital reforms to include new stock management requirements. Under these rules, businesses using TIMS and eTIMS must maintain accurate records of all goods movement, including purchases, sales, transfers, and returns. To facilitate this, KRA scheduled consultative forums with the business community starting in September. ~~Meanwhile, the KRA and KPA continue to advance port efficiency through~~ However, following the ~~ACD system and~~ implementation of a ~~Smart Gate pilot at Gate 24 to automate truck identification~~ new export declaration (ED) requirement on 1 September, clearing and ~~reduce congestion along~~ forwarding agents at the ~~Northern Corridor.~~ Port of Mombasa reported significant disruptions.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.