By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, April 29, 2026 - The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the integration of export process data in the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) with VAT return filings in iTax, in a bid to improve efficiency for exporters.
In a notice, the tax man said that the new system will take effect from May 2026, and will allow VAT return export data in iCMS to be automatically linked with the declaration of zero-rated supplies in VAT returns filed through iTax.
According to the authority, validated export values will be automatically prefilled in VAT returns once the relevant export documents are issued by Customs.
The change will apply to exports within the Single Customs Territory, other foreign countries, Export Processing Zones (EPZs), and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), according to the authority.
To ensure accurate prefiling, exporters and their clearing and forwarding agents have been urged to ensure that they capture the exporter’s PIN and valid TIMS/eTIMS zero-rated invoice number when lodging export documents in iCMS.
“Only export values validated in iCMS and linked to the exporter’s PIN and invoice will be allowed in the VAT return,” KRA stated.
“Exports of taxable services will also be prefilled in iTax based on generated and transmitted TIMS/eTIMS invoices for the relevant tax period. For further information, please call our Contact Centre on Tel: (0) 20 4 999 999, 0711 099 999 or Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke,” it added.
The move comes at a time when the authority is working to strengthen customs requirements as part of broader efforts to improve the country’s export and import sector.
Two days ago, the authority signed an MoU on the exchange of pre-arrival information with India 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.
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