MOMBASA, Kenya— Efforts to reduce cargo clearance delays at the Port of Mombasa have received a major boost after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) agreed to strengthen collaboration through digital integration and technology-driven solutions aimed at improving cargo movement and trade efficiency.
The commitment was reached during a meeting between KRA Commissioner General Adan Mohamed and KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, who pledged to enhance cooperation through automation, data sharing and the harmonisation of operational processes.
The two agencies said the partnership is expected to eliminate operational bottlenecks, facilitate seamless cargo movement, reduce clearance delays and improve service delivery for importers, exporters and other port users.
Agencies Prioritise Systems Integration
The renewed collaboration comes as both institutions seek to leverage digital technologies to support growing trade volumes passing through Kenya’s principal maritime gateway.
Mohamed said KRA would continue working closely with KPA and other government agencies to streamline cargo processing through integrated systems and coordinated operations.
“We are committed to working jointly with other government agencies to streamline operational challenges through systems integration and harmonized processes in order to serve our esteemed clients better,” Mohamed said.
The agencies noted that greater automation and real-time information sharing will enhance efficiency across the logistics chain while improving cargo clearance timelines.
Smart Gates Project Expected to Ease Congestion
During the visit, Mohamed toured KPA’s ongoing Smart Gates Project, which is designed to modernise gate operations at the Port of Mombasa.
He described the initiative as a significant innovation that will reduce traffic congestion around the port while accelerating cargo evacuation.
The Smart Gates system will automate truck identification and verification, enabling faster cargo clearance, improved security and significantly shorter truck turnaround times.
Officials said the project forms part of broader efforts to modernise port operations through digital transformation.
KPA Eyes Greater Port Efficiency
Capt. William Ruto reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to working closely with KRA and other stakeholders to eliminate inefficiencies and strengthen the competitiveness of the Port of Mombasa.
He described the Smart Gates Project as a transformative investment that will improve operational efficiency and facilitate faster cargo movement.
“We are working together as one team to address any bottlenecks affecting port operations and make the Port of Mombasa more efficient for all our customers,” Ruto said.
Focus on Faster Trade Facilitation
As part of the visit, Mohamed also toured KRA’s cargo scanning facilities and the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) operations to assess ongoing technological initiatives supporting customs and cargo monitoring.
