KRA Sets Deadline to Phase Out Government-Owned Electronic Cargo Seals
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the gradual phase-out of electronic seals currently owned by the government under the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).
In a notice issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, KRA said the phase-out will be completed by October 28, 2026.
The move follows the transition to a Multi-Vendor, User-Owned Seals model for both dry cargo, covered by electronic seals, and wet cargo, monitored through e-fuel electronic seals.
KRA said the new model is aimed at enhancing service delivery under RECTS while responding to changing business needs and growing demand for electronic cargo monitoring services.
The authority said the transition is also intended to support ongoing port decongestion efforts and broaden access to electronic seals among cargo industry players.
KRA has approved 15 vendors to provide electronic monitoring and tracking services for goods under customs control.
The services will be provided under the Multi-Vendor User-Owned Framework of RECTS.
The authority said the framework applies to importers, exporters, clearing and forwarding agents, transporters, bonded warehouse operators and other stakeholders involved in the movement and handling of goods under customs control.
It also covers the Partner States participating in the regional cargo monitoring system.
“Subsequently, the electronic seals presently owned by KRA under RECTS will be gradually phased out upto October 28, 2026. 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,” KRA said.
Under the new framework, users will be allowed to select their preferred vendor from the list of companies approved by KRA.
The authority said the framework will operate through private commercial agreements between approved vendors and users.
“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,” KRA said.
The transition means that once the phase-out period ends, electronic monitoring and tracking of goods under customs control will be carried out exclusively using devices supplied by the approved vendors.
KRA said the move is expected to give cargo owners and other industry players greater choice in accessing electronic monitoring services while supporting the efficient movement of goods through the region.
KRA said the list of the 15 approved electronic seal vendors can be obtained through its website, www.kra.go.ke.
Stakeholders can also request the list by emailing cmu@kra.go.ke or visiting the Cargo Monitoring Unit on the 13th Floor of Times Tower.
The list is also available at other Customs Offices.
