The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will phase out its electronic cargo tracking seals for dry cargo and motor vehicles from October 26, 2026, as it shifts to a new system involving approved private vendors.
In a public notice issued on Friday, October 16, the tax authority said the changes would introduce the Multi-Vendor User-Owned e-Seal Framework under the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).
The new framework will change how importers, exporters, transporters and other businesses track goods under customs control, with users required to obtain electronic seals from vendors approved by KRA.
KRA said its existing electronic seals used to track dry cargo and motor vehicles would cease operating on October 26, after which the monitoring and tracking of such goods would be conducted exclusively through devices supplied by approved vendors.
An NYS officer installs a RECTS monitoring device on the rear end of a cargo truck on May 23, 2026.
Photo
Frankline Oduor
The authority stated that the transition would also affect the tracking of wet cargo, including fuel, but the process would be gradual rather than taking effect on the same date.
“E-fuel electronic seals presently owned by KRA under RECTS for monitoring of wet cargo shall be progressively phased out,” the authority stated in the notice.
Under the new arrangement, the electronic seals will be supplied by private vendors operating within the framework approved by KRA, marking a shift from the authority's existing model of providing the devices itself.
The framework will operate through commercial agreements between approved vendors and users, with importers, exporters and transporters allowed to select their preferred provider from the list authorised by KRA.
At the same time, the authority advised businesses and other stakeholders to prepare for the transition ahead of the October 26 deadline to avoid potential disruptions in the electronic monitoring of goods moving under customs control.
KRA said the list of approved vendors would be available on its official website.
Additionally, stakeholders may also request the information by emailing the Cargo Monitoring Unit or visiting its offices on the 13th floor of Times Tower in Nairobi.
The changes come as the tax authority continues to introduce digital systems aimed at strengthening cargo monitoring and improving compliance with customs requirements for businesses involved in international trade.
In August 2026, KRA introduced a mandatory Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) requirement for exporters shipping goods to Kenya, requiring them to obtain a reference code before dispatching cargo.
An image of cargo containers at the port of Mombasa on May 22, 2026.
Photo
Frankline Oduor