The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is inviting eligible vendors to apply for pre-qualification to supply, operate, maintain, and manage electronic seals under a new multi-vendor framework.
In a notice on March 24, KRA said the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen cargo monitoring under the User-Owned eSeals Framework for the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (EAC RECTS).
Selected vendors will be responsible for the supply of electronic eSeals and Electronic Fuel Seals for cargo trucks and petroleum tankers under Customs control.
In addition to the supply role, vendors will be required to offer eSeal Logistics Services, including collection, packaging, transportation, and delivery to designated arming and disarming points, as well as repair, maintenance, calibration, charging, and quality assurance of seals.
KRA EAC RECTS framework is a self-owned model, and the vendors will be fully responsible for the ownership and maintenance of the electronic seals.
“The engagement operates on a self-financing model. Approved Vendors own and maintain the seals and remain fully accountable to KRA for seal performance and integrity,” part of the notice read.
Initial approval from the KRA period will take a period of two years; the approval is subject to evaluation reviews.
KRA eligibility Requirements
- Valid certificate of incorporation and Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) license for electronic tracking equipment.
- Valid tax compliance certificate and audited financial statements for the last three (3) years.
- Proven experience in vehicular/cargo tracking operations at a scale of not less than 1,000 units.
- Regional workshops and maintenance facilities within the EAC can service eSeals.
- Minimum stock of 1,000 operational eSeals available at all times.
How to Submit
All enquiries, petitions, and memoranda will be submitted physically, addressed to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control.
Alternatively, submissions can be sent to the email address c[email protected]. All submissions must be received within two weeks of March 24, 2026.
Also Read: KRA to Target All Small Businesses in New Mandatory VAT Registration Plan
How the Self-financing Model Works
EAC RECTS self-owned model will allow the service provider to have the uniquely identifiable e-fuel seals that shall be registered in the EAC RECTS platform.
Vendors under this model are not expected to maintain a parallel dashboard. Still, they will be given access to EAC RECTS to monitor and manage their e-seals, or to integrate with the EAC RECTS via an API.
Under the model, the vendor will be jointly and severally liable for goods lost in transit if the seals do not report the non-compliant activity.
If the vendor is found to have colluded with the other parties in line with Customs Laws and procedures, they will be held liable for any loss.
Also Read: How to File KRA Returns on Mobile Phone
About the EAC RECTS
The Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) was adopted by the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat as the EAC RECTS in 2022.
KRA first established it in 2017 to enable real-time monitoring of cargo in transit and other Customs-controlled goods.
EAC RECTS transmits critical alerts for any incident within 2 seconds of its occurrence. It also has uninterrupted reporting capability for at least 60 consecutive days on a single charge.
Communication through the system is via the Dual Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for positioning and 2G/3G/4G/5G or equivalent cellular technology for data transmission to the EAC RECTS platform.
All KRA Vendor eSeals shall only be armed within Kenya or in a Partner State for cargo destined to Kenya or Transiting through Kenya.
In addition, vendors shall distribute the Seals to stations in accordance with the Service Level Agreement (SLA), monitor usage, and replenish them to maintain the required minimum stock levels.
The Chief Manager responsible for Cargo Monitoring or his appointed officer will be the contact person for KRA.
Termination of the approved vendor shall be immediate following the failure to comply with the SLA.
