Kenya Introduces Digital Customs Solution to Boost Trade
On 24 November 2025, a new digital platform aimed at enhancing trade facilitation was launched at the Busia One Stop Border Post along the Kenya-Uganda border. The initiative is part of a long-term partnership between the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), TradeMark Africa (TMA), and the British High Commission (BHC), focused on streamlining customs processes and accelerating border operations.
The eCUSTOMS App: A New Frontier for Trade
The newly introduced eCUSTOMS application is expected to revolutionise the customs declaration process, making it quicker, more transparent, and paperless. By significantly reducing the clearance time at borders, the app targets the needs of traders, transporters, and passengers, ultimately strengthening Kenya’s position in modern border management.
According to estimates, the eCUSTOMS app could save truck drivers about one hour of waiting time per vehicle, decreasing the cumulative daily waiting period by approximately 1,200 hours at the Busia OSBP. Furthermore, small traders stand to gain financially, with savings of around KES 750 per customs declaration, a vital difference for those making frequent crossings for business.
Significance of the Partnership
This development marks another step in the 15-year collaboration aimed at enhancing trade between Kenya and its neighbours. Past achievements include reducing border clearance times by nearly 79% after the operationalisation of the Busia OSBP in 2018, which also had a positive impact on government revenue.
Since its introduction, the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) has also contributed to quicker cargo movements, slashing transit times significantly across key routes. This new application will further complement existing systems and is designed to integrate easily with existing customs processes.
Voices on the Initiative
Humphrey Wattanga, Commissioner General of KRA, highlighted the transformative potential of eCUSTOMS in creating a more business-friendly environment. He expressed commitment to continuous technological investment to enhance efficiency in customs operations.
H.E. Hailemariam Boshe, Chair of the TMA Board, remarked on the app’s role in facilitating trade across East Africa, noting how it sets a precedent for regional economic integration through collaborative efforts.
Dr. Ed Barnett MBE from the British High Commission emphasized the app’s accessibility for small businesses, affirming that the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership aims to support enterprises of all sizes. The platform will allow users to self-declare cargo, promoting transparency and compliance, and features functionalities for enhanced border crossing experiences.
Impact on Small Traders and Broader Economy
The eCUSTOMS application is tailored to empower small-scale traders with straightforward, digital tools to facilitate customs declarations. For transporters, the app promises smoother operations, including efficient management of empty trucks and quick toll payments. It also aims to simplify the trade process for goods valued at $2,000 or less.
This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhancing trade dynamics among Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Conclusion and Economic Context
The launch aligns with a growing phase of economic relations between Kenya and the UK. Recent statistics indicate that trade between the two nations has surpassed the £2 billion mark, underscoring the importance of this partnership. The UK Prime Minister’s renewed commitment to the Strategic Partnership in July 2025 has further cemented this collaborative relationship.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/brilliant-borders-kenyas-customs-goes-digital
