NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable the exchange of pre-arrival information for goods, in a move aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and customs efficiency.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 10th India–Kenya Joint Trade Committee meeting in Nairobi, with officials saying it will streamline cargo clearance processes, strengthen risk management systems, and improve transparency in cross-border trade.
The MoU was signed by Yogendra Garg and Lilian Nyawanda in the presence of India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Akoth Ombam.
Officials noted that the deal covers trade flows valued at approximately Sh282.28 billion based on 2025 data, underscoring the significance of India as a key trading partner for Kenya.
Under the agreement, customs authorities from both countries will share advance cargo data before shipments arrive at ports of entry. This is expected to allow faster clearance of goods, reduce delays, and curb illicit trade through improved targeting of high-risk consignments.
Trade experts say pre-arrival information systems are increasingly becoming standard in global commerce, helping countries strike a balance between trade facilitation and enforcement.
The signing took place during the 10th Joint Trade Committee meeting, co-chaired by Agrawal and Ombam, where both sides held discussions on expanding bilateral trade and addressing market access challenges.
Key sectors identified for deeper cooperation include pharmaceuticals, agriculture, digital public infrastructure, fintech, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
The two countries also reviewed progress on development partnerships, including logistics, infrastructure planning, and capacity building.
Both Kenya and India reaffirmed their commitment to building a more diversified and balanced economic relationship, with a focus on future-oriented sectors and stronger institutional frameworks.
The agreement also aligns with broader reforms by KRA to modernise customs operations through digitalisation and data-driven systems, aimed at boosting revenue collection while facilitating legitimate trade.
