The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a scheduled maintenance for its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS). In a public notice on Friday, February 6, the authority said the exercise would last 36 hours.
It will begin at 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, and end at 6:00 AM on Monday, February 9, 2026. During this period, the iCMS platform will be inaccessible to all users.
Details of the Maintenance Exercise
“We wish to inform Partner Government Agencies, Importers, Exporters, Clearing Agents, Shipping lines, and the general public of scheduled major maintenance for the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) to enhance performance starting on Saturday, 7th February 2026, from 1800hrs to Monday, 9th February 2026, 0600hrs (36 hours).”
This enhancement will deliver improved transaction processing, improved system response times, and a more reliable user experience for all customs operations.
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To minimize operational disruptions, stakeholders are advised to submit all urgent declarations, complete payments, and prioritize clearance of perishable and time‑sensitive consignments before Saturday evening. KRA regrets any inconvenience caused and appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders as we improve our delivery service.”
iCMS and How It Works
According to KRA, iCMS is a modern, robust, and efficient system that runs on the latest technological platforms, which seamlessly connects with the authority’s internal systems and external stakeholders’ systems to achieve faster cargo clearance.
The system enhances trade efficiency by speeding up cargo clearance, reducing complexity caused by multiple systems, automating manual processes, and re‑engineering workflows.
This system was implemented in phases to improve Kenya’s ease of doing business by simplifying pre‑arrival processes.
It also introduced a framework that allows Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) to receive preferential treatment that was not available under the previous SIMBA system.
“Once fully implemented, ICMS shall counter security threats through a robust risk management system that will ensure a secure trade chain, facilitate regional integration by integrating with regional revenue administrations, and provide transparency of cargo by eliminating human intervention,” KRA noted.
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Security and Regional Integration
Goods leaving the Port of Mombasa must first be cleared by the KRA before being transported to other parts of the country.
KRA verifies cargo details, confirms payment of required taxes, and approves release through an online system, helping ensure that goods are properly accounted for as they move along major transport corridors such as the Mombasa–Malaba highway.
The iCMS schedule maintenance comes days after KRA announced the transition from physical Customs escorts to tamper-proof Customs seals, then to multi-vendor seals, and ultimately to the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).
RECTS is a web-based cargo tracking and monitoring solution integrated with Customs management systems across the East African Community. Under this system, export and transit cargo moving through Kenya is fitted with electronic seals and monitored centrally. RECTS has significantly reduced cargo clearance times, enhanced cargo security, and improved accountability in transit operations.
“To further enhance service delivery under RECTS, and in response to evolving business dynamics, technological advancements, and increased demand, KRA is aligning its cargo monitoring processes with current operational realities. In this regard, KRA wishes to notify stakeholders that it is transitioning to a Multi-Vendor, User-Owned Seals model for both dry cargo (e-seals) and wet cargo (e-fuel) electronic seals,” the authority said.
The proposed model is intended to provide a secure, tamper-proof, and auditable cargo monitoring solution, while addressing existing challenges such as seal availability and turnaround times.
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