Kenya has taken a major step toward modernising its border management systems with the launch of a fully paperless customs platform.
The eCUSTOMS app, launched on Monday, November 24, is part of a long-term collaboration between the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the British High Commission, and TradeMark Africa.
In a statement, the British High Commission said the launch marks the introduction of a smart digital solution built to simplify trade and modernise border operations.
"A smart digital solution to simplify trade, speed up clearance of goods, and modernise border operations has been launched today in Kenya, as part of a 15-year partnership to accelerate trade growth across the country’s borders," the statement read.
The commission added that the system, dubbed eCUSTOMS, was developed jointly with KRA and TMA to make border processes seamless for all users.
Read More
"Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in collaboration with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the British High Commission (BHC), has launched the eCUSTOMS app at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) on the Kenya-Uganda border. This new platform is designed to make customs declarations faster, paperless, and hassle-free for traders, transporters, and passengers," the statement added.
It further described the digital platform as a turning point in regional trade facilitation, with expected benefits for transparency, compliance, and small businesses.
"The eCUSTOMS app is a game-changer for Kenya and East Africa’s trade facilitation efforts. It aims to cut down clearance time at borders, boost transparency and compliance with regional customs laws, support SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) and transporters with easy-to-use digital tools, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leader in modern, secure, and efficient border management," the statement further read.
The British High Commission also highlighted the app’s projected financial and time-saving impact for both large and small traders.
"The new app will save time and money. It will reduce cumulative truck waiting time by 1,200 hours daily at the Busia OSBP (about one hour per truck) will also save small traders approximately Ksh750 per customs declaration - modest from a corporate perspective, but for a woman crossing the border twice per day, it’s the difference between profit and loss," the statement continued.
KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga stated that the platform will simplify border procedures and enhance efficiency for all users.
"eCUSTOMS will ease cross-border trade and promote a conducive business environment by simplifying customs declarations and modernizing border operations. By enabling paperless and seamless processes, this platform will provide traders with faster, more accessible, and more transparent services," he said.
TMA Board Chair and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Boshe said the innovation is an important step in strengthening economic ties across the region.
"This is a major milestone for integrating trade across East Africa. The more trade we can do across our borders, the more we can grow together. This launch shows how technology and partnerships can unlock regional economic growth," he stated.
On his part, British High Commission Chargé d’Affaires Ed Barnett noted that the partnership is directly empowering the small traders who drive the economy.
"This long-term partnership has delivered a solution directly into the hands of small businesses – the hustling backbone of Kenya’s economy.
"Whether you have a fleet of trucks, your own trusty Probox, or a zippy Boda Boda, our renewed Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership is delivering for businesses of all shapes and sizes - we’re going far, together," he said
The eCUSTOMS app is now available for download on both Android and iOS.
Elsewhere, this comes weeks after KRA added new requirements in the application process for the Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC).
In a notice issued on Tuesday, October 28, the authority said the new process will now include verification of eTIMS/TIMS compliance.
"Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) notifies the public that it has enhanced the Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) application process to include compliance with eTIMS/TIMS for non-individual entities and individuals with income other than employment income," the notice read.
Any person or entity seeking a TCC must now meet several conditions, including compliance with eTIMS/TIMS registration for persons in business, filing all applicable tax returns on or before their due dates, and ensuring timely payment of taxes.
Additionally, taxpayers must settle any outstanding tax liabilities or apply for a payment plan that, once approved, allows them to continue the self-service process of TCC application.
KRA assured the public that it will assist taxpayers facing challenges during the implementation phase of the enhanced process.
"Taxpayers can apply for a TCC through the iTax platform. They can check the validity of a TCC using the Certificate Checker on https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/
"Any challenges encountered during implementation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, in line with the existing legal framework," the notice added.
