- KRA is changing how electronic cargo seals are supplied and managed under Customs control.
- The new framework introduces greater flexibility for businesses using cargo tracking services.
- The changes are expected to ease cargo processing and strengthen oversight across cross-border trade.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has commenced the rollout of a Multi-Vendor User-Owned Electronic Seals Framework aimed at improving cargo tracking, reducing operational delays and enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade.
The new framework introduces a more flexible and competitive model for the provision and management of electronic seals used to monitor the movement of goods under Customs control. It replaces the previous arrangement, under which KRA relied on a single vendor to supply and manage the devices since 2017.
According to a statement, the transition follows consultations with industry stakeholders and seeks to address operational challenges associated with the existing model, including the unavailability of electronic seals at cargo tagging points and the use of ageing devices that may not function optimally.
Under the new framework, electronic seals will be owned and managed by vendors or users, depending on the commercial arrangements agreed upon between the parties.
Users will have the flexibility to select participating service providers and agree on arrangements that best suit their operational requirements.
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All electronic seals deployed under the framework will be integrated with the East African Community (EAC) Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), enabling KRA to maintain real-time monitoring and end-to-end visibility of cargo under Customs control. This technology has drastically reduced incidents of cargo diversion, smuggling, and theft, ensuring that goods reach their intended destinations securely and on time.
The multi-vendor model is expected to improve the availability of electronic seals on demand, particularly at cargo tagging points, helping to reduce queues and delays in cargo processing. Improved device performance is also expected to minimise unnecessary tracking alerts and associated enforcement interruptions, contributing to faster cargo clearance and turnaround times.
The framework further strengthens private-sector participation in the delivery of cargo tracking solutions while maintaining KRA’s oversight role in ensuring compliance with Customs requirements and safeguarding the integrity of goods moving under Customs control.
The rollout forms part of KRA’s broader commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening Customs compliance and adopting innovative, technology-driven solutions that improve service delivery across the trade and logistics value chain.
By Fredrick Odiero
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