KRA Unveils 15 Approved Vendors for New Electronic Cargo Tracking System

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has approved 15 vendors to provide electronic monitoring and tracking services for goods under customs control as it rolls out a new multi-vendor system under the Regional Electronic Cargo Monitoring System (RECTS).

In a statement on Friday, September 11, the authority said the new framework will cover electronic seals used to monitor both dry and wet cargo.

KRA explained that the move is aimed at improving service delivery while responding to changing business needs and increasing demand.

"To enhance service delivery under the Regional Electronic Cargo Monitoring System (RECTS) and in response to evolving business dynamics and increasing demands, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has transitioned to a Multi- Vendor, User-Owned Seals model for both dry cargo (e-seals) and wet cargo (e-fuel) electronic seals. 

"This model is intended to support the port decongestion initiatives as well as democratise access to the seals," the statement read. 

KRA said the new model will allow importers, exporters, clearing and forwarding agents, transporters, bonded warehouse operators and other stakeholders to access electronic cargo monitoring services from approved private providers.

"KRA therefore notifies Importers, Exporters, Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Transporters, Bonded Warehouse Operators and All Other Stakeholders and Partner States, it has approved 15 vendors to provide electronic monitoring and tracking services in respect of goods under customs control, within the Multi-Vendor User-Owned Framework of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS)," the statement added.

KRA said the electronic seals currently owned by KRA under RECTS will be gradually phased out until October 26, 2026, as the new user-owned model takes effect.

"Thereafter, the electronic monitoring and tracking of goods under Customs control shall be undertaken exclusively by means of devices supplied by the approved Vendors in line with the Multi-Vendor User-Owned Framework. 

"This Framework shall be based on private commercial agreement between the approved vendors and users. Users are at liberty to select any of the approved Vendors," the statement further read.

According to KRA, the 15 vendors approved by KRA are Autotronix Telematics Ltd, Bandika IoT, I-Spy Africa Limited, Keshi Holdings / Leavitt Holdings (JV), K-Trac Telematics Ltd, Letztalk Technologies Limited, Nebsam Digital Solutions (K) Limited, and Oak and Gold Limited.

Others are Quartix Telematics Ltd, Radar Telematics Limited, Rivercross Tracking Limited, Safetrac Limited, Savannah Springs Technology Limited, Smart Watch Solutions Ltd / Pis Limited (JV), and Track and Trace Limited.

This comes a day after KRA 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.