NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collected Sh90.05 billion in customs revenue in September 2026, exceeding its Treasury target by Sh965 million on the back of increased import values and growth in cargo volumes.
In a statement released on Monday, October 12, KRA said its Customs and Border Control Department achieved 101.1 per cent of its September target of Sh89.088 billion.
The collection represented a 5.8 per cent increase from the Sh85.146 billion collected during the same month in 2025.
“There was a 5.8 per cent increase noted in the collection compared to the Sh85.146 billion collected in September 2025, signalling continued growth in revenue generated from international trade,” KRA said.
Import Growth Boosts Customs Revenue
KRA attributed the performance partly to growth in non-oil revenue, supported by a 25.6 per cent increase in the overall value of imports.
Bulk cargo recorded an even sharper increase of 49.2 per cent, while imported motor vehicles rose by 8.1 per cent.
The number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled for containerised cargo also increased by 8.2 per cent, reflecting higher activity in international trade.
KRA said the results highlighted the importance of effective customs administration in facilitating legitimate trade while protecting government revenue.
The authority added that it was strengthening compliance through technology-driven customs processes and enhanced enforcement against illicit trade and revenue leakage.
KRA Rolls Out Customs Reforms
The authority is implementing reforms aimed at making customs operations more efficient, transparent and predictable for traders.
Among the measures is the introduction of an Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD), alongside increased use of data to strengthen cargo risk management. The cargo risk management initiative was launched in July.
Other measures include improving the processing of customs declarations and enhancing the identification of high-risk consignments.
KRA said the reforms were intended to improve compliance while facilitating legitimate business activity and reducing opportunities for revenue loss.
“The September performance reinforces KRA’s commitment to mobilizing revenue required to finance the Government’s development priorities, support economic growth and strengthen the country’s fiscal position,” the authority said.
September Collection Follows Stronger Monthly Results
The September performance follows strong customs revenue collections earlier in 2026.
In July, KRA exceeded its Treasury target of Sh86.16 billion by Sh6.37 billion. Before that performance, the department collected Sh89.1 billion in June, which was then its highest monthly customs revenue collection.
The authority said it would continue pursuing reforms to improve compliance, enhance operational efficiency and create a fair and predictable trading environment for businesses.
