KRA Rolls Out New Vehicle Licensing System Starting July 1

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the automation of the licensing process for vehicles transporting transit goods and other goods under customs control, with the new system taking effect from July 1, 2026.

In a notice issued on June 30, 2026, KRA said all licences for Transit Goods (C28) and licences for vehicles or vessels conveying other goods under Customs Control (C40) will now be processed through the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) and the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS).

According to KRA, the move is aimed at digitising the application process for the affected licences.

Applicants will be required to register on the RECTS platform and submit the necessary supporting documents.

Requirements Needed by KRA

These include a motor vehicle logbook, a valid insurance certificate, a COMESA Yellow Card or insurance cover for foreign-registered vehicles, and photographs of the truck and trailer showing clearly visible registration numbers.

KRA said successful applicants will receive their licences electronically through their registered email addresses after paying the required fees.

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The licences will include a QR code that can be used to verify their authenticity.

The authority also directed first-time applicants without RECTS profiles to register through the Cargo Monitoring Unit located on the 13th Floor of Times Tower in Nairobi.

New Licence Applications

Alternatively, they may seek registration assistance at the nearest Rapid Response Unit located in Mazeras, Taru, Voi, Emali, Sameer, Naivasha, Nakuru, Kericho, Eldoret, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kitale, Kainuk, Lodwar, Kakuma or Marsabit.

KRA clarified that the new notification applies to all new licence applications for 2026 as well as licence renewals from 2027 onwards.

The authority further noted that submitting an application for a new licence or renewal does not automatically guarantee approval, as all applications will undergo internal vetting to verify the accuracy of the information provided.

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Manual licences issued before the introduction of the automated system will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

KRA advised applicants seeking further clarification to contact its Cargo Monitoring Unit through its official communication channels.

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