The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced an eight-hour maintenance shutdown of its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) starting at 10 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, and ending at 6 a.m. on Sunday, January 12.
In a statement, KRA apologized for any inconvenience caused by the scheduled downtime, noting that the iCMS is vital for processing import and export documentation at the country’s ports.
The iCMS, introduced during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, was designed to modernize Kenya’s customs processes by automating manual operations. The system aims to simplify trade, enhance efficiency, and improve Kenya’s ranking in the ease of doing business index.
Key features of the iCMS include preferential treatment for Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), advanced risk management, and enhanced transparency by reducing human intervention. The system also strengthens regional integration and security measures in trade.
Despite its promising capabilities, the iCMS has faced persistent challenges, including frequent outages that have disrupted the flow of goods.
One major incident occurred in November 2024, when a five-day system failure at the Port of Mombasa caused significant delays in cargo clearance. The tea export sector was particularly affected, with consignments worth over Sh3.25 billion missing their shipping deadlines, leading to significant economic losses.
Stakeholders have since called on KRA to develop a backup cargo management system to mitigate future disruptions.
While the iCMS has played a critical role in improving Kenya’s customs operations, the ongoing technical issues underscore the need for robust contingency measures. KRA has reassured stakeholders of its commitment to improving the system’s reliability to ensure seamless cargo clearance and bolster trade operations.
