The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a planned 36-hour customs system downtime and issued an advisory to stakeholders on what to do.
In a notice dated March 24, the Commissioner for Customs & Border Control said KRA will conduct a scheduled 36-hour maintenance of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) from April 4 at 6:00 PM to April 6 at 6:00 AM.
“Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wishes to inform Partner Government Agencies, Importers, Exporters, Clearing Agents, Shipping Lines, and the public of a scheduled maintenance of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS),” the notice read in part.
Urgent Advisory Issued to Stakeholders
KRA advised stakeholders to pre-lodge documents by submitting urgent declarations, completing payments, and clearing cargo ahead of the scheduled system downtime to minimise disruptions.
“Submit urgent declarations, complete payments, and clear cargo before the scheduled downtime,” the authority said.
The notice further urged prioritisation of perishable and time-sensitive consignments to avoid delays during the maintenance period.
According to KRA, the upgrade aims to improve system performance and speed, enhance stability and reliability, and provide a better user experience with fewer complaints.
Additionally, the authority mentioned that the maintenance will enhance system security and facilitate easier future upgrades.
The Kenya Revenue Authority expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the maintenance and thanked stakeholders for their cooperation.
“KRA regrets any inconvenience caused and appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders as we continue to improve service delivery.”
Also Read: KRA Announces Ksh40 Million Refund for Select Businesses
KRA Sends Home Employees, Revokes Licenses of 21 Clearing Agents
On March 18, the authorities confirmed that they had interdicted six staff members and suspended the licenses of 21 clearing agents after uncovering irregular cargo clearance and revenue accounting practices.
The authority recovered Ksh452.5 million through targeted enforcement actions aimed at preventing circumvention of customs procedures.
KRA emphasized that disciplinary and criminal investigations are ongoing, with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) working alongside the authority to hold all involved parties accountable.
Importers were urged to comply strictly with official payment channels, as KRA maintains a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, collusion, and abuse of office.
Also Read: KRA Rolls Out East African Community Customs Bond
How ICMS Works
The system is central to the processing of documents for both the import and export of goods at various ports across the country.
By automating manual processes, reengineering workflows, and reducing reliance on multiple systems, iCMS significantly enhances trade efficiency and speeds up cargo clearance.
Introduced during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s second term, the system has become an essential component of Kenya’s trade logistics infrastructure.
Its temporary shutdown may affect importers, exporters, clearing agents, and other stakeholders in the trade and logistics chain.
