KRA officials testing one of the trackers /HANDOUT

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has extended the supply of electronic cargo tracking devices to more providers in a move aimed at cutting cargo clearance time across the country's borders.

The new system allows businesses and transporters to choose from different providers of electronic seals, replacing an arrangement that has relied on a single supplier since 2017.

Electronic seals are devices attached to trucks or cargo containers to help authorities track goods in transit and detect unauthorised interference.

They allow tax officials to monitor goods as they move between locations without having to stop vehicles for repeated physical inspections.

The Commissioner for Customs and Border Control at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Lilian Nyawanda said the new framework would address shortages of the devices at cargo tagging points and problems caused by ageing equipment.

The shortages and faulty devices have contributed to delays in cargo processing, affecting transporters and businesses that depend on timely deliveries.

Under the new arrangement, electronic seals can be owned and managed by service providers or users, depending on the agreements between them. Businesses will also be free to select providers whose services suit their operational needs.

“All electronic seals deployed under the framework will be integrated with the East African Community (EAC) Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), enabling KRA to maintain real-time monitoring and end-to-end visibility of cargo under Customs control,” said Nyawanda.

This technology has drastically reduced incidents of cargo diversion, smuggling, and theft, ensuring that goods reach their intended destinations securely and on time.

The changes are expected to increase the availability of tracking devices, reduce queues at cargo tagging points and speed up the clearance of goods.

According to the taxman opening the market to multiple providers is expected to give transporters and cargo owners greater flexibility in accessing electronic tracking services.

Kenya has been losing between $43 million (Sh5.6 billion) and $54 million (Sh6.9 billion) annually due to persistent delays and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) at its borders.

Previously, reliance on a single supplier limited the available options for businesses using the system. The new framework introduces competition by allowing more providers to supply and manage the devices.

KRA said better-performing equipment would also reduce unnecessary tracking alerts that can trigger enforcement interruptions and slow down cargo movement.

Despite allowing private companies and users greater involvement in managing the devices, KRA will retain oversight of goods moving under customs control.

All electronic seals used under the new framework will connect to the East African Community's Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).

The regional system enables customs authorities to monitor cargo movements in real time, helping them identify goods that deviate from approved routes or are tampered with before reaching their destinations.

KRA said electronic tracking had helped reduce cargo diversion, smuggling and theft, improving the security of goods transported across the region.

The new framework is intended to maintain these controls while making the supply and management of tracking devices more flexible.

The rollout follows consultations between KRA and industry stakeholders on challenges affecting the existing system.

The authority said the changes formed part of efforts to facilitate legitimate trade, strengthen customs compliance and improve services across the transport and logistics sector.