The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs and Border Control Department collected KSh90.053 billion in September 2026, surpassing its monthly revenue target by KSh965 million. According to a statement released on Monday, October 12, the department achieved 101.1 per cent of its Treasury target of KSh89.088 billion, reflecting growth in revenue collected from international trade.
The September collections represented a 5.8 per cent increase compared to the KSh85.146 billion collected during the same month in 2025. KRA attributed the improved performance partly to an increase in imports, which boosted revenue generated from customs duties and other taxes on imported goods.
Imports Drive Growth in Customs Revenue
The authority reported that the overall value of imports increased by 25.6 per cent in September 2026, while bulk cargo recorded a more significant growth of 49.2 per cent. The increase in bulk cargo imports was supported by commodities such as fertilisers, iron and steel, palm oil and its fractions, and rice.
KRA also recorded an 8.1 per cent increase in imported motor vehicles during the month. Meanwhile, containerised cargo, measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), grew by 8.2 per cent, further contributing to activity at the country’s entry points. The growth in imports helped strengthen customs revenue collections, enabling the department to exceed its monthly target despite the various challenges affecting businesses and international trade.
KRA Strengthens Customs Enforcement and Trade Facilitation
KRA said the latest performance reflects ongoing efforts to improve compliance, facilitate legitimate trade and prevent revenue losses. The authority has continued implementing technology-driven customs processes and strengthening enforcement measures targeting illicit trade and revenue leakage.
Among the reforms is the introduction of the Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD), alongside greater use of data to improve cargo risk assessment and identify potentially high-risk consignments. The measures are intended to improve the efficiency, transparency and predictability of customs operations while making it easier for compliant traders to conduct business. KRA has also been working to improve the processing of customs declarations to enhance cargo clearance and strengthen oversight of imported goods.
Revenue Collection Supports Government Operations
The authority noted that customs revenue remains an important source of government income, helping finance development priorities and support the country’s fiscal position. The September results come after strong collections in previous months. In July 2026, the Customs and Border Control Department collected KSh92.53 billion, exceeding its Treasury target of KSh86.16 billion by KSh6.37 billion.
KRA said it would continue pursuing reforms aimed at improving compliance, strengthening operational efficiency and creating a fair trading environment for businesses. The authority is also seeking to safeguard government revenue while ensuring that legitimate imports and exports move through Kenya’s borders efficiently.
