The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a crucial public notice regarding the Automation of Bank Guarantees within its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), effective December 1st, 2025.
This directive is relevant to importers, exporters, clearing agents, and all other customs stakeholders who utilize Bank Guarantees as a form of security. Going forward, all Bank Guarantees must be executed and managed exclusively through the iCMS platform.
In practical terms, this means the entire end-to-end process, including the application, approval, and processing of the Bank Guarantee, will be fully digitized and executed within iCMS.
This shift signifies the end of the previous manual steps, such as:
- An applicant applying to be allowed to give security via a formal letter.
- The subsequent approval of that letter by the Commissioner.
- The physical processing of the bank guarantee.
The new system aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and automation in customs processes, aligning with KRA’s ongoing modernization efforts.
Stakeholders are strongly advised to ensure that all future Bank Guarantees are processed strictly within the iCMS platform to comply with this new directive.