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Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in collaboration with the CommonMarket for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), has officially launched the Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCOO) system, a transformative step in modernizing Kenya’s trade processes and strengthening regional integration.
The eCOO system digitizes the registration of exporters and the issuance of Certificates of Origin. These certificates are crucial for accessing preferential trade benefits under regional trade agreements, including COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA).
Speaking at the launch event, COMESA Director of Trade and Customs, DrChristopher Onyang, hailed the milestone as a significant advancement in the region’s integration efforts under the COMESA Digital Free Trade Area(DFTA).
“This launch is a clear demonstration of Kenya’s commitment and leadership in advancing COMESA’s integration agenda,” said Dr Onyango. “We commend Kenya for embracing this innovation, which fosters efficiency, competitiveness, transparency, and trust in regional trade.”
The regional eCOO initiative was first launched in November 2024 in Lusaka, Zambia, with Eswatini, Malawi, and Zambia as early adopters. Zimbabwe later joined, and now Kenya has become the fifth COMESA Member State to implement the system officially.
Until now, the certification process was fully manual, requiring physical applications, printed certificates, and in-person verification. This approach was not only time-consuming and costly for exporters but also prone to fraud, inaccurate records, and inefficient tracking.
The new digital platform enables exporters to submit applications online, with certificates now verified and issued electronically. This transition significantly reduces processing time and paperwork while lowering operational costs. It also improves the accuracy and security of trade documentation, strengthens compliance, and enhances cross-border data sharing.
The launch reflects Kenya’s broader commitment to regional digital trade integration, aligning with existing initiatives under the Single Customs Territory (SCT) framework already embraced by other EAC Partner States.
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KRA began automating its customs operations in 2016 with the introduction of the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), which was commissioned in 2018. The eCOO module was piloted in 2022 and, after undergoing technical refinements, is now fully operational. Both COMESA and EAC eCOOs are currently being issued electronically.
To support implementation, Rules of Origin officers in key regions, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, have been trained and equipped to manage the system. Exporter onboarding is actively underway, with initial registrations completed in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
According to KRA, the introduction of the eCOO system will enhance service delivery and increase the speed and reliability of cargo clearance. The system is also expected to boost Kenya’s competitiveness in both regional and international markets, while supporting the Authority’s broader goal of providing efficient, technology-driven customer services.
