KRA moves transit cargo vehicle licensing online from July 1

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will, from July 1, automate the licensing process for vehicles transporting transit goods and goods under customs control in a move aimed at digitising customs operations.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, KRA said all licences for vehicles conveying transit goods under Customs Procedure Code C28 and vehicles or vessels transporting goods under Customs Control Procedure Code C40 will be processed through digital platforms.

The authority said applicants will be required to register on the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) platform before submitting their licence applications through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS).

According to KRA, applicants must upload a copy of the motor vehicle log book, a valid insurance certificate, a COMESA Yellow Card for foreign-registered vehicles or an insurance cover, as well as photographs of the truck and trailer showing the registration numbers clearly.

The authority said first-time applicants without RECTS profiles will be required to register by visiting the Cargo Monitoring Unit at Times Tower, emailing the unit or seeking assistance from designated Rapid Response Units located in various parts of the country.

"KRA has automated licensing for vehicles conveying Transit Goods (C28) and goods under Customs Control (C40) effective 1st July 2026. Register and submit documents via RECTS," the authority said in the notice.

KRA said the digital licensing programme will apply to all new licence applications submitted in 2026 as well as licence renewals from 2027 onwards.

The authority, however, clarified that manually issued licences issued before July 1 will remain valid until December 31, 2026, allowing transporters time to transition to the new digital system.

KRA further stated that submitting an application through the online platform will not automatically result in the issuance of a licence, noting that all applications will undergo internal verification before approval.

It said applicants whose submissions meet the required conditions and successfully complete payment of the prescribed fees will receive their licences electronically through their registered email addresses.

According to the authority, the digital licences will incorporate a Quick Response (QR) code that can be used to verify their authenticity.

KRA said the automation forms part of efforts to improve efficiency in customs administration and streamline the licensing process for transporters moving transit cargo and goods under customs control.

The authority advised applicants experiencing challenges with registration or the application process to seek assistance through the Cargo Monitoring Unit by telephone or email, or visit any of the designated Rapid Response Units located in Mazeras, Taru, Voi, Emali, Sameer, Naivasha, Nakuru, Kericho, Eldoret, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kitale, Kainuk, Lodwar, Kakuma and Marsabit.