By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, April 28, 2026 - India and Kenya have signed an MoU on the exchange of pre-arrival information aimed at improving the clearance of goods between the two countries.
The agreement was signed between India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on Monday, on the sidelines of the 10th India–Kenya Joint Trade Committee meeting held in Nairobi.
Through the agreement, customs authorities in both countries will exchange import documentation before cargo arrives, using electronic systems such as the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS).
This mechanism allows customs to process declarations and manifests before a vessel or plane docks, enabling immediate release upon arrival.
“The MoU was signed by Shri Yogendra Garg, Member, CBIC, and Dr Lilian Nyawanda, Commissioner General, KRA, in the presence of Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Trade Principal Secretary Regina Akoth Ombam,” India’s High Commission confirmed.
The agreement is expected to enhance customs cooperation, enable faster clearances, improve risk management, and facilitate smoother bilateral trade between India and Kenya.
During the meeting, the two countries also agreed to enhance trade by improving market access and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
They further committed to collaboration in key sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, digital public infrastructure, fintech, energy (including renewable energy), and manufacturing.
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“Progress on development partnership and collaboration in areas such as logistics, infrastructure planning, and capacity building was also reviewed,” India’s High Commission to Kenya stated.
“The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to a more diversified, balanced, and future-oriented economic partnership, and agreed to strengthen institutional mechanisms to facilitate trade, resolve pending issues, and promote greater business-to-business engagement,” it added.
The announcement comes barely a week after India committed to supporting Kenya in implementing reforms in the pharmaceutical sector to strengthen the quality and efficiency of the country’s healthcare system.
The commitment was made by the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, Adarsh Swaika, during a meeting with Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Ahmed Mohamed, focusing on the regulation of Health Products and Technologies (HPTs).
The two sides emphasized the need to reinforce oversight mechanisms, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspections, to maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.