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NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has warned clearing agents and other players in the import and logistics sector to ensure that cargo declarations are accurate and comply with Kenyan tax laws.

The clarification comes after concerns were raised by clearing agents, freight forwarders, motor vehicle dealers and other stakeholders over recent changes affecting the clearance of imported goods.

In a statement issued on September 7, 2026, the Commissioner for Customs and Border Control said the requirement for accurate declaration of imported cargo is firmly anchored in law, specifically Section 23B of the Tax Procedures Act.

KRA said its mandate is to enforce legislation passed by Parliament while also facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring compliance.

“KRA wishes to clarify that the requirements for accurate declaration in the clearance of imported goods are anchored in law under Section 23B of the Tax Procedures Act.”

The Authority said it continues to work with affected stakeholders to improve compliance while seeking to minimise unnecessary disruptions to legitimate businesses.

Vehicle Valuation Dispute Before Court

KRA has also addressed concerns surrounding the valuation of imported motor vehicles.

The Authority said the matter is currently before the courts and declined to comment on the substance of the valuation methodology, citing the sub judice principle.

KRA said it will instead await the court’s directions and eventual determination of the matter.

The Authority maintained that it will continue engaging stakeholders in the motor vehicle and cargo clearance sectors to address operational challenges.

“KRA remains committed to continuous and constructive engagement with freight forwarders, clearing agents, motor vehicle dealers, and other relevant stakeholders.”

According to KRA, ongoing consultations are intended to identify practical and lawful solutions to challenges affecting cargo clearance and international trade.

KRA Clarifies KSh3.2 Million Minimum Yield

KRA has also moved to clarify confusion surrounding the recently revised KSh3.2 million minimum yield for general consolidated cargo, which took effect on August 21, 2026.

The Authority stressed that the KSh3.2 million figure is not a fixed tax bill that every trader importing goods through consolidated cargo must pay.

It is also not necessarily the actual tax liability of the individual traders whose goods are contained in a consolidated shipment.

Instead, KRA said the minimum yield serves as a risk-management reference under the simplified clearance arrangement.

“It is important to emphasise that the minimum yield is not a representation of the actual tax liability for the goods contained in a container.”

The clarification is particularly important for small-scale traders who combine their shipments with other importers in the same container.

Traders Had Threatened Protests

The issue had sparked concern among small-scale traders, with some groups planning demonstrations and a nationwide business shutdown over rising importation costs and taxes.

The planned action was announced ahead of August 28, with traders arguing that the new requirements could increase the cost of importing goods into Kenya.

KRA subsequently issued a clarification on August 27, explaining how the minimum yield is applied and stressing that it should not be interpreted as a blanket tax charge on individual traders.

The latest statement is part of the Authority’s wider effort to clarify the rules governing cargo clearance and address concerns raised by businesses involved in international trade.

KRA Calls for Compliance

The Authority has urged clearing agents, importers, motor vehicle dealers and other stakeholders to ensure that all cargo declarations accurately reflect the goods being imported.

KRA says accurate declarations are necessary for proper administration of customs and tax laws and for maintaining a fair trading environment.

At the same time, the Authority says it remains open to engagement with businesses experiencing operational difficulties.

With the vehicle valuation dispute now before the courts and continued concerns over importation costs, the coming weeks are likely to see further discussions between KRA and industry stakeholders.

For importers and clearing agents, however, the message from the tax authority is clear: cargo declarations must comply with the law, while disputes over specific policies should be addressed through the appropriate legal and consultation channels.

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