The governments of Kenya and the UK have unveiled a new digital platform designed to simplify trade, speed up clearance of goods, and modernise border operations in Kenya.
The eCUSTOMS app, developed through a collaboration between the British High Commission in Kenya, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and TradeMark Africa (TMA), was officially launched at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) on the Kenya-Uganda border.
The UK stated that the platform will enable KRA to process customs declarations faster, paperless, and hassle-free for traders, transporters, and passengers.
“The eCUSTOMS app is a game-changer for Kenya and East Africa’s trade facilitation efforts. It aims to cut down clearance time at borders, boost transparency and compliance with regional customs laws, support SMEs and transporters with easy-to-use digital tools, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leader in modern, secure, and efficient border management,” the UK said.
The system is expected to reduce waiting times at the border, a move that will help cut cumulative truck queues by 1,200 hours daily at Busia OSBP.
At the same time, the government aims to save small traders around Ksh750 per customs declaration in an effort to improve cross-border trade and enhance regional integration.
“eCUSTOMS will ease cross-border trade and promote a conducive business environment by simplifying customs declarations and modernising border operations. By enabling paperless and seamless processes, this platform will provide traders with faster, more accessible, and more transparent services,” KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga added.
Further, the government revealed that small-scale traders will be able to self-declare their cargo and, in return, help reduce the long queues often witnessed during clearance at the border.
Additionally, the system will allow passengers to declare customs and accompanied baggage before arrival, ensuring faster clearance at the border.
Truck drivers and transport businesses will also benefit from smooth truck rotation and toll-free movement, with the ability to manage declarations for empty trucks and handle toll collections digitally.
The developments follow concerns from truck drivers who have criticised delays, poor infrastructure, and technical glitches that slow down the movement of goods and increase operating costs at the border, affecting trade between Kenya and Uganda.
Drivers have in the past specifically blamed inefficient scanning procedures by customs officials, which in some cases have taken up to 48 hours to complete.
