KRA Announces 12-Hour iCMS Maintenance

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a scheduled 12-hour maintenance of the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) on Sunday, September 13.

In a notice on Thursday, September 10, the authority said the maintenance will begin at 6:00 a.m. and is expected to run until 6:00 p.m.

The maintenance will affect all stakeholders who rely on the system to access its services, with KRA advising users to take note of the scheduled downtime.

The authority said the exercise was part of its planned maintenance activities for the system.

KRA has listed the affected system as iCMS, with all iCMS users expected to be affected throughout the 12-hour maintenance period.

"Any inconvenience caused is highly regretted," the notice read in part.

This comes days after KRA responded to concerns raised by the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), clearing agents, motor vehicle dealers and other stakeholders over cargo clearance processes.

In a statement on Monday, September 7, the authority said the requirement for an export declaration during the clearance of imported goods is provided for under the law.

It added that its mandate includes implementing legislation while facilitating legitimate trade and business operations.

"KRA wishes to clarify that the requirements for an export declaration in the clearance of imported goods is anchored by law under Section 23B of the Tax Procedures Act.

"As a statutory institution, KRA is mandated to implement and administer legislation enacted by Parliament, while at the same time facilitating legitimate trade and business operations," the statement read.

KRA said it would continue engaging stakeholders affected by the implementation of the requirements, with the aim of ensuring compliance without unnecessarily disrupting legitimate business activities.

"KRA is committed to working closely with affected stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of statutory requirements promotes compliance while minimising unnecessary disruption to legitimate business activities," the statement added.

On concerns surrounding the valuation of motor vehicles, KRA said the matter is currently before the courts and that it would therefore not comment on the merits of the valuation methodology.

The authority cited the principle of sub judice, saying it would await the court's direction and determination before commenting further on the matter.

"With regard to motor vehicle valuation, KRA notes that the matter is currently before the Court.

"The Authority therefore refrains from commenting on the specific merits of the valuation methodology in accordance with the principle of sub judice, pending the direction and determination of the court," the statement further read.