On 11 September 2026, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) published a public notice listing approved vendors for the electronic monitoring and tracking of goods under customs control, marking a significant milestone in the transition to a multi-vendor, user-owned framework for cargo surveillance. This directive stems from the Customs and Border Control reforms aimed at enhancing supply chain visibility, reducing revenue leakage, and aligning with the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework. The notice specifies the authorized technology providers whose solutions meet KRA’s technical and security standards for real-time cargo tracking, electronic seal integrity, and data transmission to the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS). Effective immediately, importers, exporters, and transit operators must engage one of the approved vendors to install and maintain compliant tracking devices on all goods subject to customs control, including transit cargo, warehouse transfers, and export shipments. Non-compliance will attract penalties under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, as amended. The move replaces the previous single-vendor monopoly, introducing competitive dynamics expected to lower costs and improve service reliability for traders across the East African corridor.
Key Takeaways
- Multi-Vendor Framework Enhances Competition and Choice: The shift from a single-provider model to a multi-vendor, user-owned framework allows taxpayers to select from a panel of KRA-approved vendors, fostering competitive pricing, service innovation, and reduced dependency on a single technology stack. Companies can now negotiate contracts directly with vendors, tailoring solutions to their specific supply chain volumes and risk profiles.
- Mandatory Real-Time Data Integration with iCMS: Approved vendors must ensure their tracking platforms transmit encrypted, real-time location and seal status data directly to KRA’s iCMS via standardized APIs. This integration enables customs officers to monitor cargo movements remotely, trigger alerts for route deviations or seal breaches, and expedite clearance through risk-based selectivity, reducing physical inspections and dwell times at ports and border points.
- Compliance Deadlines and Penalties for Non-Adoption: The notice sets a 90-day grace period for existing users of the previous single-vendor system to migrate to an approved vendor, after which all goods under customs control must be monitored exclusively through the new framework. Failure to comply will result in cargo being treated as uncustomed, attracting fines up to 50% of the customs value, potential seizure, and suspension of the taxpayer’s customs license.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement