Kenya: 15 private suppliers to replace KRA seals on October 26

After this date, the tracking of customs cargo will be conducted exclusively using devices provided by the companies approved under the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, according to a public notice from the KRA.

The new model covers dry cargo with electronic seals and liquid cargo with fuel tracking devices. Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, carriers, and bonded warehouses will be able to freely choose a supplier from the approved list.

The equipment will be subject to direct commercial agreements between users and suppliers. The KRA presents this arrangement as a means to expand access to seals and support efforts to alleviate congestion at the port of Mombasa.

The system replaces a model in which the tax administration owned and provided the seals itself. However, the KRA will maintain its role in overseeing the tracking of goods placed under customs control.

The Shippers Council of Eastern Africa welcomed the opening up to multiple providers, believing it could reduce seal shortages and delays on the northern corridor. According to the organization, transit goods account for over 30% of traffic at the port of Mombasa.

However, industry professionals are calling for transparency in the pricing of equipment and services, as users will now need to purchase, own, and maintain their own seals from the selected suppliers, the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa stated.