The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collected Sh90.05 billion in customs revenue in September, exceeding its target by nearly Sh1 billion on the back of increased imports and strong growth in non-oil revenue.

In a statement released to the media on Monday, the authority said its Customs and Border Control Department collected Sh90.053 billion against a target of Sh. 89.088 billion, representing 101.1 per cent performance.

The collection marked a 5.8 per cent increase from the Sh. 85.146 billion collected in September last year, sustaining the department’s positive performance in the 2026/2027 financial year.

Non-oil revenue was a key driver of the growth, with collections reaching Sh57.199 billion against a target of Sh55.422 billion, surpassing it by Sh1.778 billion.

KRA attributed the increase to a 25.6 per cent rise in the overall value of imports, with bulk cargo recording a 49.2 per cent increase during the period.

The growth in bulk cargo was largely driven by increased imports of fertilisers, iron and steel, palm oil and its fractions, and rice, among other commodities.

The number of imported motor vehicles also rose by 8.1 per cent, while containerised cargo handled through twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) increased by 8.2 per cent.

The authority said the performance demonstrated the importance of effective customs administration in facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding government revenue.

To sustain the gains, KRA is pursuing technology-driven customs processes and stepped-up enforcement against illicit trade and revenue leakage.

The reforms include the introduction of Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) and increased use of data in cargo risk management to improve the processing of customs declarations and identify high-risk consignments.

The authority said the measures were intended to make customs operations more efficient, transparent and predictable for traders while strengthening compliance.

The September performance reinforced KRA’s commitment to mobilising revenue required to finance the Government’s development priorities, support economic growth and strengthen the country’s fiscal position.

KRA said it would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving compliance, enhancing operational efficiency and creating a fair and predictable trading environment for businesses.

By Chris Mahandara