Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has instituted measures to support the Government initiatives aimed at managing the spread of COVID-19 at ports of entry and transit corridors countrywide.

The Authority, which is the Lead Agency at the Land Borders, has put in place the following measures to ensure safety and trade facilitation:

1. Adherence to National and East African Community (EAC) guidelines against Covid-19 pandemic

The safe movement of cargo is in line with the guidelines given the Government of Kenya to facilitate the free movement of cargo across official border points. Further KRA will implement the directives in the Joint Statement by Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Health issued on 25th March 2020 on Covid19 preparedness and response in EAC Region. These are as follows:

a) All cargo trucks crossing the international land border points shall have a maximum of three crew.

b) Screening of cargo crew at the border points by Port Health Officials shall be mandatory.

c) The cargo trucks shall be fumigated at the International Border Crossing

d) There shall be designated hotels and/or lodges for the cargo crew.

e) Sanitizers, disinfectants and clean running water shall be available to enhance hygiene and mitigate against the risks of infection.

f) Border points shall operate in line with National Government directives.

2. Staff security

KRA has taken measures to ensure that there are adequate staff numbers at the Border Points and observes the social distancing guidelines.

KRA Staff are well trained on hygiene protocols and shall put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times when offering services to importers, exporters and stakeholders.

3. Trader support

KRA will use technology to ensure uninterrupted services to importers, exporters and stakeholders.

a) This include the use of Simba System, Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) and Single Window platforms.

b) Communication through email is encouraged to minimise physical contact and ensure faster resolution of issues. 

c) All goods declared under the Single Customs Territory (SCT) framework shall be monitored via the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).

d) Pre-Arrival Clearance (PAC) is encouraged for cargo coming through our borders to mitigate against delays.

e) All Customs related inquiries and applications will be processed online.

KRA has collaborated with other government agencies to facilitate safe movement of cargo at all the Country’s Ports of Entry. The agencies include Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise Development; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; National Police Service; Directorate of Immigration and Citizen Services.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, KRA continues to ensure the global supply chain does not suffer.

For any administrative communication, clients can use:

Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke or Tel: +254 (020) 4999 999/+254 (020) 4998 000/+254 (0711) 099 999

Commissioner Customs and Border Control