The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has marked the International Customs Day (ICD) 2025 reflecting on its 30-year journey. The event, themed “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity,” also served as a moment to showcase KRA’s activities in border control, marine enforcement and trade facilitation, underscoring its commitment to national development.
As part of the celebrations, KRA honoured customs officers who stood out for their exemplary contributions safeguarding Kenya’s borders. The event emphasised the critical role customs play in keeping society safe by deterring harmful substances from entering Kenya while ensuring revenue mobilisation and fostering trade efficiency.
“In today’s fast-paced global economy, customs officers must be highly efficient in their operations. Efficiency is the cornerstone of a thriving customs administration, and I commend KRA for the strides it has made toward achieving this goal,” said Mr John Tanui, the PS ICT & Digital and Economy, speaking at the ICD 2025.
He added that through the modernisation of customs procedures, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and the promotion of data-driven operations, KRA has made significant progress. KRAs Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), Single Customs Territory, and Scanner solution at Ports and One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) have streamlined trade processes, reducing turnaround times, and improving transparency and efficiency.
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KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga expressed his appreciation for the KRA Customs officers, acknowledging the good job they are doing. He noted that they have enabled KRA to efficiently facilitate legitimate trade without hindrances while protecting the nation from threats.
“As we mark this year’s International Customs Day, I note with immense pride that KRA is equally marking 30 years of existence as an authority. Over the past three decades, KRA has grown from a fledgling organization to a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy,” he said.
He added that it was through their efforts that KRA registered a 4.9% increase in customs revenue, collecting Ksh 791.368 billion during the 2023/2024 financial year compared to the same period in FY 2022/2023. He added that this contributed to the 11.1% general revenue growth, with KRA collecting Ksh 2.407 trillion in the financial year 2023/2024.
Commissioner Customs and Border Control, Dr Lilian Nyawanda, said in the current Financial Year 2024/2025, KRA has already collected Ksh 429 billion which is a growth of 4.8% compared over the last financial year. “These are not abstract achievements but are a result of your daily hard work and unwavering commitment,” she said.
Newly-gazetted ports of entry
She noted the improved efficiency in trade facilitation regionally, adding that the Authority has significantly reduced clearance times by 50%, increasing trade volumes, and strengthening regional partnerships through integrated border management.
The Commissioner also noted significant progress made with the operationalisation of seven newly-gazetted Ports of Entry/Exit with Konyao and Lomokori at the Kenya-Uganda border, Banya Fort, Todonyang’, Suftu and Rhamu at the Kenya-Ethiopia border and Olposimorua at the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Awards were conveyed during the ceremony recognising outstanding customs officers, referred to as “Border Heroes,” for their dedication and professionalism in border enforcement. A solemn tribute was also paid to fallen customs heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty, with shields of honour presented to their families.
ICD 2025 also celebrated the collaborative efforts of other government agencies and border communities working alongside KRA to secure the nation’s borders.
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