Govt Announces Licence Expiry of These Vehicles, Issues Application Guidelines

Vehicles caught i n a traffic snarl-up in Mombasa.
Vehicles caught i n a traffic snarl-up in Mombasa.
The Standard

Licences of vehicles conveying transit goods and other items under customs control will expire on December 31.

According to a statement dated Friday, December 2, from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), all vehicles involved in the transportation sector under customs will be required to obtain new licences.

Motorists in these categories ferry goods from the Port of Mombasa to the border points and other foreign countries.

"Provisions relating to the licensing of vehicles conveying transit goods and other goods under Customs control are contained in Regulations 104 and 210 of the East African Community Customs Management Regulation, 2010 and Section 244 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004," the taxman's statement read in part.

Trucks by Seven Stars Company on a road in Kenya
Trucks by Seven Stars Company on a road in Kenya.
File

The government asked transporters to abide by the directive before the slated time expires

How to Apply

KRA directed applicants to submit their applications manually for processing.

During the application process, they must present a copy of their motor vehicle logbook, COMESA yellow card insurance cover and a duly filled application form.

Successful applicants will pay Ksh24,510 (US$ 200) per license, which is expected to be submitted before December 31.

"Please note that, online applications already submitted online via the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) portal will be processed manually and licenses forwarded to respective inspection centres where inspection of trucks was conducted upon payment of license fee," the taxman stated.

The government further advised the transporters to submit their duly filled application forms to their customs regional offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru or Eldoret, Times Towers in Nairobi or to the nearest Rapid Response Unit.

Licensing is set to enable KRA to streamline the sector involved in moving goods and ease border clearance.

It also enables them to keep records of registered vehicles which informs their policy decisions.

Trucks along the Northern Corridor highway from Mombasa to Malaba
Trucks along the Northern Corridor highway from Mombasa to Malaba.
File