The Kenya Revenue Authority has pushed forward the scheduled maintenance of its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), citing the need to minimize disruptions and ease cargo flow at the Port of Mombasa.
Initially planned for early April, the maintenance will now take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Move Aimed at Easing Cargo Movement
According to KRA, the decision to reschedule followed consultations with key stakeholders in the logistics and shipping sectors.
The authority said the adjustment is part of a broader effort to ensure uninterrupted cargo evacuation and smooth operations at the busy port.
“This decision underscores the collective commitment of all government agencies and the business community to ensure the efficient, smooth evacuation and movement of cargo,” KRA said in a statement.
The Port of Mombasa remains a critical trade gateway not only for Kenya but also for landlocked countries in the region, making system stability essential.
Stakeholders Urged to Prepare Early
KRA has advised importers, exporters, clearing agents, and shipping lines to finalize urgent transactions before the scheduled downtime.
Users have been urged to:
- Submit declarations early
- Complete payments in advance
- Prioritize clearance of perishable and time-sensitive cargo
The authority warned that failure to act early could lead to delays during the maintenance window.
System Upgrade to Boost Efficiency
The planned maintenance is expected to introduce several improvements to the iCMS platform, including:
- Faster system performance
- Enhanced stability and reliability
- Improved cybersecurity safeguards
- Better overall user experience
KRA noted that the upgrade aims to reduce system downtimes and customer complaints while supporting increasing cargo volumes.
Support Services to Remain Available
While the system will be temporarily unavailable, KRA assured stakeholders that support services will remain accessible through official communication channels.
However, the authority cautioned that it will not be liable for any payments that are not successfully processed or reflected in its accounts during the maintenance period.
KRA acknowledged that the change in schedule may inconvenience some users but emphasized that the upgrade is necessary for long-term efficiency gains.
