The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched its multi-vendor electronic cargo sealing system at the Port of Mombasa.

The move ends the agency’s reliance on its own seals and brings in private sector partners to ease congestion and speed up cargo movement.

The system went live at the Kilindini arming area, where the first container sealed under the new arrangement was flagged off for Congo.

KRA Deputy Commissioner in charge of Cargo Scanning and Cargo Monitoring Grace Lekasi said 15 private companies have been approved to supply the seals, in a shift that will improve efficiency at the port.

“We are moving from our own seals and have partnered with the private sector to bring in efficiency and a quick turnaround of the flow of cargo within the port of Mombasa. We look forward to better days ahead,” she said.

Lekasi said the change responded to a request from industry players, who felt KRA was overstretched in providing the service.

The vendors have invested their own money in the seals and made private arrangements with transporters on how to use them.

“This was an industry call. They felt KRA was straining in providing this critical service to the port, so they gave us the opportunity and the idea to bring in several vendors,” she explained.

Letz Talk Technologies Limited, the first company to supply seals under the new framework, was among the pioneers alongside Nebsam. The first truck carried clothing destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lekasi said the seal’s activation was confirmed from KRA’s command centre, which will track the consignment until it reaches its destination.

“We have confirmed from our command centre that the seal has reflected. So we are good to go,” she said.

She acknowledged the vendors for their patience during the rigorous vetting process, saying she was confident the partnership would benefit the country.

Letz Talk Technologies Managing Director Shaahid Jemani described the launch as the start of a new era for the port, following a six-month process of approvals.

“It has been a long and tiring journey, but seeing the first seal flagged off today is the most refreshing moment. I’m sure we will be able to reduce congestion and help KRA in this,” Jemani said.

He disclosed that the company, which operates in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia and the DRC, will set up a service centre in Mombasa with the manufacturer. The centre will offer local warranty and faster servicing so transporters face fewer delays.

The seals are made by Mobicom Telematics of Shenzhen, China. Its Managing Director, Super Wang, said they are waterproof, have strong magnets and long-lasting batteries, and allow goods to be monitored online at all times. He added that a local service centre would be opening soon.

Letz Talk Technologies Director Samir Mithani said the company was proud to have carried out the first tagging under the multi-vendor system.

“It is a very happy moment for us. We look forward to many more taggings and to working closely with KRA and the transporters,” Mithani said.

By Ramadhan Nassib