By Erestinah Jane | June 30, 2026
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has officially digitized the licensing process for all vehicles transporting Transit Goods (C28) and goods under Customs Control (C40), bringing an end to manual applications as part of its ongoing customs modernization programme.
The new system takes effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with all applications for new licences and renewals now required to be processed electronically through KRA’s Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS).
According to the authority, the transition is designed to improve efficiency in customs administration, reduce paperwork, enhance cargo monitoring, strengthen border management and curb revenue leakages associated with manual processing.
KRA said all physical application forms submitted at customs offices will no longer be accepted, with compliance certificates now being generated and issued exclusively through the digital platform.
The authority explained that the electronic licensing framework has been fully integrated into the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), enabling customs officers to verify the licensing status of vehicles instantly at all border entry and exit points.
The system has also been linked to the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), allowing customs authorities to monitor the movement of transit cargo in real time and quickly detect route diversions, unauthorized stops or attempts to tamper with consignments.
Officials believe the integration will improve cargo security while enhancing regional trade facilitation within the East African Community and COMESA trading corridors.
Under the new process, logistics companies and transport operators must access their registered corporate iCMS trader accounts to submit licence applications.
Applicants are required to upload electronic copies of the vehicle logbook, a valid National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) vehicle inspection certificate and an active COMESA Yellow Card insurance certificate.
The application also requires operators to provide accurate vehicle information, including the registration number, chassis number and the vehicle’s cargo carrying capacity.
After completing the application, operators must pay the prescribed statutory fees using the available electronic payment channels, including eCitizen, M-Pesa or direct bank transfer.
Once customs officers complete the verification process and approve the application, applicants will be able to download and print an electronic conveyance licence embedded with a secure QR code that can be scanned instantly during inspections by customs and border enforcement officers.
KRA noted that the QR code technology significantly reduces opportunities for document forgery while enabling faster verification during roadside inspections and at border crossings.
The authority further stated that the digitized platform automatically cross-checks licence applications with customs transit bond records.
As a result, applications linked to inactive, expired or depleted customs transit bonds will be automatically rejected until the required securities are regularized.
KRA has advised transporters to ensure their customs bonds remain valid and adequately funded before initiating licence applications to avoid processing delays.
The authority also warned that beginning midnight on July 1, 2026, any vehicle found transporting transit cargo or customs-controlled goods without a valid electronic conveyance licence will be considered non-compliant and may be detained or seized in accordance with the East African Community Customs Management Act and other applicable customs regulations.
KRA said the digital licensing system forms part of its broader strategy to modernize customs operations through technology, improve transparency, facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and strengthen enforcement against smuggling, cargo diversion and tax evasion.
The authority urged all transporters, clearing agents and logistics companies involved in regional transit trade to complete the transition before the July 1 implementation deadline to avoid disruptions to their operations.
