Editor's Review

NEMA, in collaboration with the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), has announced changes to the processing of NEMA Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) permits.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in collaboration with the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), has announced changes to the processing of NEMA Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) permits.

In a notice Thursday, September 24, that authority said the new system will affect importers, clearing agents and other stakeholders using the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), with the changes taking effect on September 28, 2026.

"The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in collaboration with the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) wishes to inform the general public, importers, clearing agents, and all relevant stakeholders that the PIN Opting process for NEMA Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) permits on the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) has been fully automated effective from 28th September, 2026," the notice read.

According to NEMA, the automation will enable importers to have their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PINs opted in directly when applying for NEMA EPR certificates through the Single Window System.

"Under this enhanced automated workflow, importers can seamlessly have their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PINs for NEMA EPR certificate applications opted in directly via Single Window System (Trade Facilitation Platform), completely eliminating the need for opting in by officers," the notice added.

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NEMA said the changes were designed to improve the efficiency of EPR permit applications while making the service available to users around the clock.

"This enhancement is intended to result in: Fast, seamless and efficient EPR Application and Processing 24/7 Service Availability, elimination of manual intervention, enhanced user experience and improved operational efficiency," the notice further read.

File image of KenTrade CEO David Ngarama

Elsewhere, this comes weeks after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) 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.