Cargo Seal Switch: KRA Ends State-Owned Tracking on 26 October, Moves to 15 VendorsCargo Seal Switch: KRA Ends State-Owned Tracking on 26 October, Moves to 15 Vendors
Key Highlights
- The Kenya Revenue Authority will stop operating its government-owned electronic seals for dry cargo and motor vehicles on 26 October 2026, according to a public notice issued on 16 October.
- Importers, exporters, clearing agents and transporters must now contract one of 15 approved vendors directly and agree commercial terms, after KRA approved the vendor list in September 2026.
- Electronic fuel seals for wet cargo such as petroleum products will be phased out gradually, with no date announced, and monitoring continues through approved vendors within the regional RECTS system.
Importers, exporters and transporters in Kenya must hire a private vendor to track their cargo from 26 October 2026, when the Kenya Revenue Authority switches off its own electronic seals for dry cargo and motor vehicles.
The change matters because every consignment under customs control now needs a commercial tracking contract that the user, not the State, negotiates. In a public notice issued on 16 October, the Kenya Revenue Authority said its government-owned seals "shall cease to be in operation with effect from the 26th October, 2026."
Who must act
KRA approved 15 vendors in September 2026 to provide electronic monitoring and tracking services for goods under customs control. Importers, exporters, clearing and forwarding agents, transporters and bonded warehouse operators must choose a provider and agree commercial terms for the tracking devices.
The authority told users to "engage approved vendors for a smooth transition." Neither the notice nor reports of it state what the devices or contracts will cost, so the effect on clearing and transport bills is not yet known.
KRA says electronic monitoring will continue through approved vendors operating within the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, which is used across partner states. The vendor list is available from KRA's website, from its Cargo Monitoring Unit on the 13th floor of Times Tower, or by email to the unit.
How the shift came about
KRA first announced the move to a multi-vendor model in January 2026, citing changing business demands, new technology and problems with seal availability and turnaround times. It then invited public participation and stakeholder feedback on the proposed framework before approving the vendors.
Electronic fuel seals for wet cargo, including petroleum products, will be phased out gradually, and no date has been given.
The shift comes as the authority's links with the ports deepen. As Mwenendo earlier reported, Ruto signed a law adding the Kenya Ports Authority chief to the KRA board, a change Parliament's brief described as an efficiency measure because the two agencies' operations are co-dependent.
In Summary
- Who is affected?
- Importers, exporters, clearing and forwarding agents, transporters and bonded warehouse operators.
- What is changing?
- KRA's government-owned electronic seals for dry cargo and motor vehicles stop operating; users must contract approved private vendors.
- When does it take effect?
- 26 October 2026, under a public notice issued on 16 October 2026.
- Where does it apply?
- Kenya, within the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System used across partner states.
- Why is KRA doing it?
- KRA cited changing business demands, technology and problems with seal availability and turnaround times.
- How can users find a vendor?
- Through KRA's website, its Cargo Monitoring Unit at Times Tower, or by email to the unit.