The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collected Sh90.053 billion in customs revenue in September 2026, exceeding its monthly target as higher import values and increased cargo volumes supported collections.
The Customs and Border Control Department raised Ksh 965 million above its target of Ksh 89.088 billion, achieving 101.1 per cent of the expected amount. The collection was 5.8 per cent higher than the Ksh 85.146 billion recorded in September 2025.
“There was a 5.8 per cent increase noted in the collection compared to the Ksh 85.146 billion collected in September 2025, signalling continued growth in revenue generated from international trade,” KRA said in a statement on Monday, October 12.
Non-oil customs revenue also exceeded expectations, reaching Ksh 57.199 billion against a target of Ksh 55.422 billion. This was approximately Ksh 1.78 billion above the projection.
The improvement was supported by a 25.6 per cent rise in the overall value of imports. Bulk cargo volumes also increased by 49.2 per cent, with fertiliser, iron and steel, palm oil and rice among the goods contributing to the growth.
The figures highlight the importance of international trade to government revenue. Customs collections include duties and taxes charged on imported goods, with the amount collected influenced by the value, volume and type of products entering the country.
The latest results come as KRA prepares for the next customs agents’ licensing cycle. In a notice issued in September, the authority directed licensed customs agents to submit renewal applications for 2027 by October 31.
KRA said most licences would expire on December 31, 2026, except for three-year Authorised Economic Operator licences. Applications must be submitted through the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), alongside supporting documents, including a valid Tax Compliance Certificate and a Certificate of Bond and Debt Clearance.
Customs agents help importers and exporters complete clearance procedures and handle the documentation required to move goods across borders. The licensing process ensures that agents meet the authority’s requirements before continuing to operate.
The iCMS platform processes customs declarations and cargo documentation electronically, supporting trade facilitation and revenue collection. Importers, exporters and clearing agents rely on the system to complete procedures and move shipments through the country’s entry and exit points.
While September’s collections exceeded the monthly target, the figures alone do not establish whether KRA will meet its annual revenue goals. Performance in the coming months will depend on trade activity, import values and compliance by businesses.
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