The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the automation of licensing for vehicles conveying transit goods (C28) and vehicles or vessels transporting other goods under customs control (C40), in a move aimed at streamlining cargo monitoring and enhancing efficiency in customs operations.
In a notice issued on Tuesday June 30, KRA said that with effect from July 1, 2026, all licences will be processed through the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) and the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS).
Applicants will be required to register on the RECTS platform and submit supporting documents including a motor vehicle logbook, valid insurance certificate, COMESA Yellow Card for foreign-registered vehicles or equivalent insurance cover, and a clear photograph of the truck and trailer showing registration numbers.
“KRA wishes to notify stakeholders that effective July 1, 2026, applications for transit goods and vehicles conveying other goods under customs control licences will be automated through the RECTS integrated with iCMS,” the notice read.
According to the authority, successful applicants will receive automated licences via their registered email addresses after payment of the required fees. The licences will include a QR code for verification purposes.
“Upon successful application and payment, licences will be generated electronically and sent to the applicant’s registered email address. The generated licence can be verified using a QR code,” KRA stated.
KRA further noted that first-time applicants without RECTS profiles will be required to register through the Cargo Monitoring Unit at Times Tower or seek assistance via email or designated Rapid Response Units located across the country, including Mombasa, Voi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, and other stations.
The authority clarified that the directive applies to new applications for 2026 and renewal licences for 2027 onwards. It also emphasized that submission of an application does not guarantee approval, as all requests will undergo internal vetting for accuracy.
KRA added that manual licences issued before the transition date will remain valid until December 31, 2026, after which the automated system will fully take effect.
