KRA Rolls Out Multi-Vendor E-Seal System to Speed Up Cargo Clearance

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has rolled out a multi-vendor electronic cargo seal framework aimed at reducing cargo clearance delays, improving tracking of goods and boosting cross-border trade.

The new system, announced on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, replaces a single-vendor arrangement that has been in place since 2017, allowing traders and other users to choose from participating electronic seal service providers.

In a press statement, KRA said the framework was designed to address operational challenges that have affected cargo tracking, including shortages of electronic seals at cargo tagging points and the use of ageing devices that may not function optimally.

The authority expects the new model to improve the availability and performance of the devices, reduce queues at cargo tagging points and shorten cargo processing times.

Under the framework, electronic seals, commonly known as e-seals, will be owned and managed by vendors or users, depending on the commercial agreements reached between the parties.

The arrangement gives cargo owners and other users greater flexibility to select service providers and negotiate terms that suit their operational needs.

Real-time cargo tracking retained

Despite the shift to a multi-vendor model, KRA will retain oversight of cargo moving under Customs control.

All electronic seals deployed under the framework will be integrated with the East African Community’s Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), enabling real-time monitoring and end-to-end visibility of consignments.

The regional tracking system is designed to monitor goods as they move through designated routes to their intended destinations.

According to KRA, the technology has significantly reduced incidents of cargo diversion, smuggling and theft, helping ensure that goods reach their destinations securely and on time.

The authority said the new framework would preserve these tracking capabilities while allowing more providers to participate in delivering cargo monitoring services.

Traders expected to benefit from fewer delays

KRA said the introduction of multiple service providers is expected to improve access to e-seals on demand, particularly at cargo tagging points where shortages have previously caused delays.

The use of better-performing devices is also expected to minimise unnecessary tracking alerts that can trigger enforcement interruptions and slow down cargo movement.

The changes could help improve cargo turnaround times and make cross-border logistics more efficient for traders, transporters and other businesses in the supply chain.

The framework also opens up greater private-sector participation in the provision of cargo tracking solutions, replacing the previous model in which one vendor supplied and managed the devices.

However, KRA will continue to enforce Customs requirements and safeguard the integrity of goods transported under its control.

Part of wider trade facilitation efforts

The rollout follows consultations with industry stakeholders and forms part of KRA’s broader efforts to facilitate legitimate trade, strengthen Customs compliance and adopt technology-driven solutions to improve service delivery.

The authority said the framework was intended to create a more flexible and competitive environment for electronic cargo tracking while maintaining regulatory oversight.

The success of the new system will depend on the availability and reliability of participating providers, as well as the seamless integration of their devices with the regional cargo tracking platform.

KRA said the initiative was part of its ongoing commitment to improving efficiency across Kenya’s trade and logistics value chain.