The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collected Sh90.05 billion in customs revenue in September 2026, exceeding its monthly target by Sh965 million as higher import values boosted receipts from international trade.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, the authority said its Customs and Border Control Department achieved 101.1 per cent of its Sh89.088 billion target, representing a 5.8 per cent increase from the Sh85.146 billion collected in September 2025.
“There was a 5.8 per cent increase noted in the collection compared to the Sh85.146 billion collected in September 2025, signalling continued growth in revenue generated from international trade,” KRA said.
The improved performance was supported by a 25.6 per cent rise in the total value of imports, which drove growth in non-oil customs revenue. The value of bulk cargo imports recorded an even stronger increase of 49.2 per cent.
Imports of motor vehicles also rose by 8.1 per cent, while the volume of containerised cargo handled, measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), increased by 8.2 per cent.
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KRA attributed the performance to measures it rolled out to improve compliance and curb revenue losses.
“The results underscore the role of effective Customs administration in facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding government revenue. KRA continues to strengthen compliance through technology-driven customs processes and enhanced enforcement against illicit trade and revenue leakage,” KRA said.
The authority is pursuing reforms aimed at making cross-border trade more efficient and predictable while improving transparency in customs operations.
Among the measures is the introduction of the Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD), alongside greater use of data in cargo risk management.
The initiative, launched in July, is aimed at strengthening the identification of high-risk consignments. KRA is also working to improve the processing of customs declarations.
The reforms come as the authority seeks to sustain revenue growth while facilitating legitimate trade and tightening controls against illicit transactions.
“The September performance reinforces KRA’S commitment to mobilizing revenue required to finance the Government’s development priorities, support economic growth and strengthen the country’s fiscal position,” KRA added.
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