KRA, KPA roll out Smart Gate pilot, Cargo system at Mombasa Port to reduce delays

In a statement on Friday, the two agencies unveiled the Smart Gate pilot at Gate 24, while the newly introduced Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD) system has already received more than 1,000 applications since its rollout on August 3, 2026.

The Smart Gate will integrate the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) with systems used by other government agencies to automate cargo movement, improve visibility across the supply chain and reduce delays at port exit points.

KRA and KPA will also harmonise staff shifts to ensure that gate operations continue around the clock.

The ACD system allows cargo documents to be submitted and verified before goods are loaded at the port of export.

The system is expected to allow importers to begin customs processing earlier, reducing the amount of time cargo spends at the port after arrival.

The measures are part of wider reforms being implemented by KRA, KPA and private sector stakeholders to improve efficiency at the country's main maritime gateway.

The reforms were discussed during a high-level strategic coordination meeting at the Port of Mombasa attended by officials from KRA, KPA, regulatory agencies, Mombasa County Government, Container Freight Station operators, shipping agents and private sector representatives.

The Port of Mombasa currently handles about 2.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually. KRA said about 40 per cent of the containers handled are empty, while customs revenue is collected from about 25 per cent of the total containers.

The agencies are also seeking to increase the use of off-dock cargo clearance facilities to ease congestion and free up space at the port.

Container Freight Stations have been urged to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support continuous cargo evacuation.

KRA Commissioner General Adan Mohammed said cooperation between government agencies and the private sector would be key to making the Port of Mombasa a competitive regional logistics hub.

"The success of our port depends on our ability to work together. Our objective is to create a seamless, predictable and efficient cargo clearance environment that supports business growth while protecting the country's revenue," Mohammed stated. 

KRA said it would continue supporting compliant businesses while maintaining strict enforcement against tax evasion and fraud.