KRA to Automate Licensing for Transit Cargo Vehicles From July 1
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will begin automating the licensing process for vehicles transporting transit goods and goods under customs control from July 1, in a move aimed at improving efficiency and accelerating the digitisation of customs operations.
In a public notice issued Tuesday, KRA said all applications for licences covering vehicles transporting transit goods under Customs Procedure Code C28 and vehicles or vessels conveying goods under Customs Control Procedure Code C40 will be processed through digital platforms.
The tax authority said applicants will first be required to register on the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) before submitting licence applications through the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS).
To complete the application process, transporters must upload several documents, including a copy of the motor vehicle logbook, a valid insurance certificate and photographs of both the truck and trailer clearly displaying their registration numbers.
Foreign-registered vehicles will also be required to provide either a valid COMESA Yellow Card or an acceptable insurance cover.
KRA said first-time applicants who do not have RECTS profiles must register before applying. Registration can be completed by visiting the Cargo Monitoring Unit at Times Tower in Nairobi, sending an email to the unit or seeking assistance from designated Rapid Response Units across the country.
“KRA has automated licensing for vehicles conveying Transit Goods (C28) and goods under Customs Control (C40) effective July 1, 2026. Register and submit documents via RECTS,” the authority said in the notice.
The authority said the digital licensing programme will apply immediately to all new licence applications submitted from July 1, while renewals of existing licences will transition to the online system beginning in 2027.
KRA clarified that licences issued manually before the rollout of the new system will remain valid until Dec. 31, 2026, giving transporters a six-month transition period.
The authority also emphasized that submitting an online application does not guarantee approval, noting that every application will undergo verification before a licence is issued.
Applicants whose documents meet the prescribed requirements and who pay the applicable fees will receive their licences electronically through their registered email addresses.
According to KRA, the digital licences will feature Quick Response (QR) codes that can be scanned to verify their authenticity and reduce the risk of fraud.
The automation initiative forms part of the authority’s broader strategy to modernize customs administration, improve service delivery and streamline the movement of transit cargo across Kenya and the wider East African region.
KRA advised applicants experiencing registration or application challenges to seek assistance from the Cargo Monitoring Unit by telephone or email, or visit any of its Rapid Response Units located in Mazeras, Taru, Voi, Emali, Sameer, Naivasha, Nakuru, Kericho, Eldoret, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kitale, Kainuk, Lodwar, Kakuma and Marsabit.