The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs and Border Control Department registered its highest-ever monthly revenue collection in July 2026, amassing Ksh92.53 billion. This figure exceeded the Treasury's target of Ksh86.16 billion by Ksh6.37 billion, marking a performance rate of 107.39 percent.

This milestone reflects a 15.3 percent increase compared to the Ksh80.29 billion collected in July 2025, underscoring sustained growth in customs revenue.

Key Drivers of Revenue Growth

  • Non-oil revenue surged to Ksh61.50 billion, surpassing the Ksh60 billion threshold for the first time in KRA's history.
  • Enhanced compliance measures and strengthened cargo management have contributed significantly to the improved collections.
  • Increased adoption of technology in customs administration has streamlined operations and enabled better monitoring.

KRA Customs and Border Control Commissioner Lilian Nyawanda highlighted that the record collection is a testament to the authority's investment in technology, compliance, trade facilitation, and collaboration with stakeholders.

"The July performance is a strong start to the new financial year and demonstrates that our strategic initiatives are yielding positive results," said Nyawanda. She emphasized the continued focus on easing trade for compliant businesses while ensuring full revenue recovery for the government.

Ongoing Reforms to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The record collection coincides with KRA and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) implementing measures to expedite cargo clearance at the Port of Mombasa. Key initiatives include:

  • Deployment of a new digital cargo system to improve documentation processes.
  • Introduction of the Advanced Cargo Declaration system on August 3, enabling traders to submit and verify cargo documents prior to export loading. This platform has already received over 1,000 applications.
  • Plans for a Smart Gate pilot system aimed at automating cargo movement and reducing congestion at port exit points.
  • Consideration of round-the-clock operations at Container Freight Stations to further speed up cargo handling.

These reforms are part of a broader strategy to facilitate legitimate trade, clamp down on illicit activities, and minimize revenue leakages at Kenya’s borders and key entry points.