The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have announced new measures aimed at streamlining cargo clearance at the Port of Mombasa.
In a statement on November 6, KRA and KPA stated that the move is aimed at improving efficiency at the Port of Mombasa while easing the burden on importers.
“The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in recognition of their shared mandate to facilitate trade, ensure efficient cargo clearance, promote competitiveness of the Port of Mombasa and associated logistics corridors today signed a joint communique to enhance port efficiency,” read part of the statement.
The announcement followed a meeting chaired by the Executive Office of the President and the Council of Economic Advisors at KPA Headquarters.
KRA and KPA Introduce New Steps to Speed Up Cargo Clearance for Importers
The two authorities outlined a series of measures to streamline cargo clearance, reduce congestion, and support importers at the Port of Mombasa:
1. Transfer of Long-Stay Containerized Cargo
- Cargo destined for Mombasa will be moved to Container Freight Stations (CFSs) for final clearance.
- Cargo for Nairobi and other upcountry destinations will be railed to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot (ICD) for clearance.
- Cargo bound for Uganda will be transferred to Naivasha Inland Container Depot (NICD).
Also Read: KPA Issues Urgent Notice on Containers and Cargo at Mombasa Port
2. Fee Waivers to Encourage Cargo Evacuation
- KPA and KRA will waive 100% of accrued storage and warehouse rent for 30 days upon waiver application.
- Shipping lines are directed to waive container detention and accrued demurrage charges.
- All primary port charges, rail freight, shipping line fees, and statutory taxes remain payable.
3. Cargo Auction and Destruction
- KRA will determine cargo eligible for auction and ensure gazettement to allow importer clearance.
- Unclaimed cargo will be auctioned.
- Approved cargo for destruction will be sent to licensed destruction sites.
Also Read: KRA Issues Directive for 2025 Transit and Customs Vehicle License Renewals
4. Simplified Processing and Exemptions
- Cargo under the Single Customs Territory (SCT) regime will be exempted from RECTS e-seal arming, except for high-risk consignments.
- Importers can nominate a CFS of their choice; otherwise, KPA will allocate consignments.
- Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) will be implemented by KRA to speed up clearance.
5. Multiagency Interventions Outside the Port
- All container interventions by Government Port Agencies (PGAs) will be conducted outside the port and resolved within five days, in line with government directives.
6. Medium-Term Measures for Long-Term Efficiency
- The government is aligning policy actions and digitization initiatives to enhance long-term port efficiency and ensure Mombasa remains the preferred port in the region.
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