KRA Beats September Revenue Target as Imports Surge 25.6%

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collected KSh 90.05 billion in customs revenue in September 2026, driven by a 25.6 percent surge in overall import values.

The collection surpassed the National Treasury’s monthly target by KSh 965 million. In a statement released on Monday, October 12, KRA confirmed that its Customs and Border Control Department achieved a 101.1 percent performance rate against its targeted KSh 89.088 billion.

The revenue figures also represent a 5.8 percent year-on-year growth compared to the KSh 85.146 billion collected in September 2025.

“There was a 5.8 percent increase noted in the collection compared to the Ksh85.146 billion collected in September 2025, signaling continued growth in revenue generated from international trade,” KRA said.

Non-Oil Imports Drive Revenue Growth

Tax authorities attributed the strong collection to substantial expansion in the non-oil sector. While overall import values grew by 25.6 per cent, bulk cargo recorded a sharp 49.2 per cent increase.

Shipping and automotive operations also maintained upward momentum:

• Bulk Cargo: Surged by 49.2 percent.
• Containerized Cargo: Handled twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) grew by 8.2 percent.
• Imported Motor Vehicles: Increased by 8.1 percent.

“The results underscore the role of effective customs administration in facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding government revenue. KRA continues to strengthen compliance through technology-driven customs processes and enhanced enforcement against illicit trade and revenue leakage,” KRA said.

Tech-Driven Reforms Boost Compliance

KRA continues to roll out operational reforms aimed at making customs clearance predictable, efficient, and transparent for international traders.

Key measures implemented since July include the launch of the Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD) system, expanded data analytics for cargo risk management, streamlined declaration processing, and improved tracking of high-risk consignments.

“The September performance reinforces KRA’s commitment to mobilizing revenue required to finance the government’s development priorities, support economic growth, and strengthen the country’s fiscal position,” KRA added.

The September milestone follows strong quarterly performances. In July, customs collections beat the Treasury target of KSh 86.16 billion by KSh 6.37 billion, building on the KSh 89.1 billion collected in June 2026.

KRA pledged to sustain these administrative reforms to ensure a fair trading environment while curbing revenue leaks.

The post KRA Beats September Revenue Target as Imports Surge 25.6% appeared first on Nairobi Wire.