NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced plans to transition to a multi-vendor, user-owned electronic cargo tracking seals system, marking a major policy shift in customs cargo monitoring across Kenya and the wider East African region.
In a public notice dated January 30, 2026, KRA said the move is part of its ongoing reforms under the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), aimed at improving efficiency, security, and accountability in the movement of transit and export cargo.
RECTS is a web-based cargo tracking platform integrated with customs management systems across the East African Community.
It allows cargo fitted with electronic seals to be monitored centrally in real time, reducing clearance times, enhancing cargo security, and strengthening accountability in transit operations.
KRA said the proposed transition to a multi-vendor, user-owned model will apply to both dry cargo electronic seals and fuel electronic seals.
“To further enhance service delivery under RECTS, and in response to evolving business dynamics, technological advancements, and increased demand, KRA is aligning its cargo monitoring processes with current operational realities,” the authority said.
Under the new model, traders and cargo owners will procure and own electronic tracking seals from approved vendors, replacing the current operational framework.
KRA said the approach is intended to provide a more secure, tamper-proof, and auditable cargo monitoring solution while addressing persistent challenges such as seal availability and turnaround times.
The authority said the transition builds on its cargo monitoring evolution, which has moved from physical customs escorts to tamper-proof customs seals, then to multi-vendor seals, and finally to the RECTS digital platform.
As part of the process, KRA has invited members of the public and electronic tracking seal vendors to participate in a public engagement forum to discuss the proposed changes.
The engagement will be held virtually on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Interested stakeholders have been asked to submit requests for the virtual meeting link, as well as any inquiries, petitions or memoranda, via email to cmu@kra.go.ke or to deliver them physically to the Commissioner for Customs and Border Control within two weeks from the date of the notice.
KRA said detailed terms and conditions of the proposed model, together with applicable technical specifications for electronic seals, are available on its website.
