Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in partnership with the British High Commission and Trade Mark Africa, has launched an E-Customs mobile application aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and convenience for traders across border points.
Speaking during the launch at the Busia One-Stop Border Point on Monday, British High Commission Chargé d’Affaires in Nairobi Dr. Ed Barnett said the innovation would revolutionize trade within the region.
“This mobile app is a game changer to trade efficiency and transparency. By digitizing customs processes, we are reducing delays, cutting costs and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This means greater convenience and trust in systems that support economic growth,” he said.
Dr. Barnett commended the progress achieved through the partnership with KRA, highlighting investments made in digital trade solutions including the Integrated Customs Management System, the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System and the Trade Logistics Information Pipeline.
Trade Mark Africa Board Chair Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe said the app would significantly reduce expenses incurred by traders.
“This app integrates the STL digitally by eliminating the need for agents, paperwork and manual forms, saving the average trader around Sh750 per transaction. Digitalization protects and builds revenue streams by reducing administrative burden on both the private sector and the government,” he said.
Boshe reaffirmed Trade Mark Africa’s commitment to continuous training and support for cross-border traders.
“The app is part of a broader transition toward predictable, transparent and digitally enabled borders in the region. We have invested heavily in systems in Busia and other border posts to support and train traders, and we will continue ensuring inclusion at every level,” he added.
KRA Commissioner for Customs and Border Control Dr. Lilian Nyawanda said the platform would simplify tax declaration and payment, particularly benefiting small-scale and emerging entrepreneurs.
“Our key focus with this solution is cross-border traders’ especially small-scale traders and women entrepreneurs. This innovation will significantly boost revenue collection and encourage traders to formalize their businesses instead of using ungazetted routes,” she said.
Dr. Nyawanda added that the app features a simplified cargo-tracking module that would greatly speed up clearance processes.
“Previously, clearance was semi-manual and time-consuming. Processing a truck could take hours, but now it will take minutes. This will ease movement of goods, save time and allow users to complete transactions remotely,” she noted.
Women Cross-Border Traders SACCO National Chairperson Florence Atieno said the app has eased their tax management process.
“E-Customs has helped us with accurate tax calculations, quick mobile money payment, access to digital statements and tax compliance certificates needed to access financing. It has made border processes faster, transparent and safer,” she said.
Atieno urged partners to develop a USSD code version of the application to accommodate traders without smartphones.
“Most of our members have benefited through training and sensitization on business management and border procedures. We request more training on E-Customs and call on partners to consider a USSD option so that those without smartphones can also access the services,” she added.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
