The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has achieved a new historic milestone after collecting Ksh85.146 billion in customs taxes in September 2025, marking the highest monthly performance in the Authority’s history.

The achievement surpasses the previous record of Ksh 82.554 billion set in January 2025, reflecting the agency’s continued success in revenue mobilization.

Confirming the development, Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, Dr. Lilian Nyawanda, described the achievement as a clear demonstration of the impact of reforms and efficient systems implemented within the customs department.

“A new historic record has been set in customs revenue collection — Ksh 85.1 billion in September 2025 — the highest monthly performance in our history! The achievement shows revenue growth fueled by customs reforms and growth in trade and petroleum taxes,” said Dr. Nyawanda.

Performance Surpasses Monthly Target

In September alone, customs collections exceeded the monthly target of Ksh 81.341 billion by Ksh 3.806 billion, translating to a performance rate of 104.7 percent.

This remarkable performance also reflects an 18.8 percent year-on-year growth compared to the same period last year, further demonstrating KRA’s sustained upward trajectory in tax collection.

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Strong Growth in Trade and Petroleum Taxes

The impressive performance was mainly driven by strong collections from both trade and petroleum taxes.

Trade taxes generated Ksh 51.737 billion against a target of Ksh 50.739 billion, reflecting a 22.1 percent increase from the corresponding period in 2024 and a performance rate of 102 percent.

At the same time, petroleum taxes recorded an exceptional performance rate of 109.2 percent, with collections amounting to Ksh 33.408 billion against a target of Ksh 30.602 billion.

This growth is attributed to improved compliance levels, economic activity recovery, and effective monitoring of import flows.

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Reforms Boost Collection Efficiency

KRA attributes this success to a series of reforms aimed at enhancing revenue collection efficiency.

A key reform highlighted is the establishment of a Central Release Operations Office, which has streamlined verification and clearance processes for imported goods.

Under the new system, head verification officers operate from a central location and randomly assign release stations to verify and clear goods, minimizing human contact and closing potential revenue loopholes.

According to KRA, the reform has also significantly improved cargo release turnaround times, leading to faster clearance and higher efficiency.

Commitment to Sustained Growth

The Authority reiterated its commitment to continually improve its systems and processes to meet and surpass revenue targets.

In a statement, KRA emphasized that these results underscore its unwavering dedication to strengthening tax collection systems in line with national economic growth goals.

“The achievement contributes meaningfully to the sustained growth and stability of Kenya’s economy,” the statement read in part.

Driving Economic Stability

The record-breaking performance reinforces KRA’s role as a cornerstone of Kenya’s fiscal stability.

Through innovation, enhanced compliance, and digital reforms, the Authority continues to set the pace for revenue administration in the region — a testament to the slogan “Tulipe Ushuru, Tujitegemee!”

Kenyans receiving services at the Kenya Revenue Authority headquarters. PHOTO/KRA.