Starting July 1, 2026, licence applications covering vehicles transporting transit goods and other goods under customs control will be processed through a new automated online system, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The shift from the current manual system seeks to reduce paperwork, streamline licence processing, improve cargo monitoring, and make licence verification easier.

In a public notice issued on June 30, KRA said all applications will now be processed through the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), which is integrated with the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS).

"KRA wishes to notify stakeholders that effective July 1, 2026, applications for transit goods and vehicles conveying other goods under customs control licences will be automated through the RECTS integrated with iCMS," the notice read.

📌 What You Need to Know

The changes are expected to affect transport and logistics companies , truck owners, clearing and forwarding agents, and businesses that transport transit goods or goods under customs control.

However, it is worth noting that KRA's new requirement does not apply to motorists using private vehicles for personal transport.

Under the new process, applicants will be required to register on the RECTS platform before submitting their licence applications online.

They will be required to upload a copy of the vehicle logbook, a valid insurance certificate, a COMESA Yellow Card and a photograph of the truck and trailer with clear registration numbers.

KRA disclosed that successful applicants will receive their licences electronically after paying the applicable fees, which is Ksh26,000.

"Upon successful application and payment, licences will be generated electronically and sent to the applicant's registered email address. The generated licence can be verified using a QR code," KRA stated.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke