KRA seeks to replace Simba System with Integrated Customs Management System

The Kenya Revenue Authority is ready to roll out its new customs system next week.

The Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) will replace the Simba System from Wednesday next week.

The Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, Julius Musyoki, warned in a notice yesterday that importers and exporters who will not have migrated their operations to the new system risk being locked out of the country’s major entry points.

Game changer

“KRA wishes to notify importers, exporters, clearing agents shipping lines, air cargo operator/handlers, couriers and partner government agencies to ensure they are compliant with the system by Wednesday,” said Mr Musyoki in the notice.

The Simba System runs on multiple platforms that KRA has said made it difficult to track cargo from the port of entry to when it gets final clearance.

ICMS will run on a single system that will make cargo tracking easier. Musyoki said in a past interview the system would be a game changer in customs processing as it would align operations with international best practices.