KRA Proposes Changes to Cargo Monitoring System in East Africa

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced proposed changes to how cargo is monitored across the East African Community (EAC).

In a public notice, KRA said it has made major progress in cargo monitoring over the years. The system has moved from the use of physical Customs escorts to tamper-proof seals, then to multi-vendor seals, and later to the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).

RECTS is a web-based system used to track and monitor export and transit cargo moving through Kenya and other EAC countries. Under the system, cargo is fitted with electronic seals and monitored centrally. KRA said RECTS has helped reduce cargo clearance time, improve security, and increase accountability in transit operations.

To further improve service delivery and respond to changing business needs, new technology, and rising demand, KRA said it plans to align cargo monitoring with current operational realities. As part of the proposed changes, KRA will move to a Multi-Vendor, User-Owned Seals model for both dry cargo (e-seals) and wet cargo (e-fuel seals).

According to KRA, the new model is expected to provide a secure and tamper-proof cargo monitoring system while addressing challenges such as limited seal availability and delays in seal return.

“KRA therefore invites members of the public and electronic tracking seal vendors to participate in a public engagement process on this transition,” the authority said.

A virtual sensitisation and public engagement meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Stakeholders can request the meeting link and submit enquiries, petitions or memoranda via email to cmu@kra.go.ke, or deliver them physically to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control within two weeks from the date of the notice.

KRA said full details of the proposed model, including technical requirements for the electronic seals, are available on its website.