Busia: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in collaboration with the British High Commission and Trade Mark Africa, has introduced an E-Customs mobile application designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and convenience for traders at border points.
According to Kenya News Agency, British High Commission Chargé d’Affaires in Nairobi, Dr. Ed Barnett, stated during the launch at the Busia One-Stop Border Point that the mobile application will transform regional trade. Dr. Barnett emphasized that by digitizing customs processes, the app reduces delays and costs, thereby fostering a supportive environment for business growth.
Dr. Barnett acknowledged the progress achieved through KRA’s partnership and highlighted investments in digital trade solutions such as the Integrated Customs Management System, the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, and the Trade Logistics Information Pipeline.
Trade Mark Africa Board Chair, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, mentioned the app’s potential to significantly reduce traders
‘ expenses. He explained that the digital integration of the STL eliminates the need for agents, paperwork, and manual forms, saving traders approximately Sh750 per transaction. Boshe reiterated Trade Mark Africa’s commitment to providing ongoing training and support for cross-border traders.
KRA Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, Dr. Lilian Nyawanda, noted that the platform simplifies tax declaration and payment processes, particularly benefiting small-scale and emerging entrepreneurs. She highlighted the app’s role in boosting revenue collection and encouraging traders to formalize their businesses.
Dr. Nyawanda also pointed out that the app includes a simplified cargo-tracking module, which significantly accelerates clearance processes. Previously, clearance procedures were time-consuming, but the app reduces processing time from hours to minutes.
Women Cross-Border Traders SACCO National Chairperson, Florence Atieno, highlighted the app’s impact on streamlining tax management processes. She c
alled for the development of a USSD code version of the application to accommodate traders without smartphones and requested further training on E-Customs.
