The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a planned 12-hour downtime of its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) and issued an advisory to importers, clearing agents and other users of the platform.
In a public notice dated September 10, KRA explained that scheduled maintenance on the system will begin on September 13, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“Please be advised that there will be scheduled maintenance of iCMS from Sunday, 13th September, 2026, 6:00 AM to Sunday, 13th September, 2026, 6:00 PM. We regret any inconvenience caused,” the KRA notice read.
According to the authority, all iCMS users are listed as affected by the scheduled downtime.
In addition, clearing agents who process customs entries and other documentation on behalf of importers will also be affected.
Following the planned disruptions, importers and clearing agents with pending electronic customs procedures have been urged to complete transactions before September 13.
Transactions that require an electronic submission or another action through the system may not be completed while the platform is unavailable, according to the authority.
Also Read: Ruto Signs Law Giving KRA New Role in Air Passenger Charges
How the KRA iCMS System Works
The Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) is KRA‘s digital platform for customs clearance.
Among the users of the system are importers, exporters, clearing agents, and partner government agencies.
According to the authority, clearing agents can submit customs declarations, supporting documents, and other information through the system when handling client transactions.
The platform is also used for processes involving customs duties and taxes without physical paperwork.
Traders and clearing agents can also submit and follow up on many customs processes electronically instead of making a physical submission for every stage.
During the scheduled 12-hour maintenance, users will be unable to submit customs declarations, process entries, pay duties, and complete cargo clearance transactions.
A temporary loss of access may affect incomplete transactions undergoing processing on the platform.
Also Read: KRA Puts Clearing Agents on Notice Over Accurate Cargo Declarations
What the Downtime Means for Cargo Clearance
Importers with consignments undergoing customs clearance may need to check with their clearing agents whether any outstanding electronic procedures fall within the maintenance period.
Confirmation of the process is important for transactions requiring declarations, documentation, payments, or other actions through iCMS.
Activities at ports, airports, and border points involve several agencies and processes, some of which are separate from the iCMS platform.
The authority expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the maintenance and asked users to plan around the interruption when organizing their customs transactions.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
