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Kenya customs digitalization and trade reforms

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-04 09:22 UTC → 2026-08-06 10:31 UTC · added removed

In mid‑July 2026 KRA confirmed 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 to warn of about possible bottlenecks. By late July the authority KRA reported customs collections for FY 2025/26 of Ksh 988.8 billion, slightly marginally above target, its Ksh 980.8 billion target. The surplus was attributed to strong oil and announced deeper integration with 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). In early August, (RECTS) to automate truck identification, share data and cut clearance delays. On 3 August KRA launched the ACD system alongside system, requiring exporters, freight forwarders, shipping lines and clearing agents to obtain a scheduled one‑hour maintenance 15‑digit ACD reference code and print it on the final Bill of its iSCAN platform. A 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 subsequently filed a petition in 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 responded to the claim, yet responded, adding a legal dimension to the ongoing digital customs reforms.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-06 10:31 UTC Kenya customs digitalization and trade reforms
  2. 2026-08-04 09:22 UTC Kenya customs digitalization and trade reforms
  3. 2026-07-29 14:38 UTC Kenya customs digitalization and trade reforms

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