Kenya Revenue Authority has introduced a digital system to monitor transit cargo trucks in real time from Mombasa port to border points. The Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System uses devices to track location, speed and route compliance.
The system forms part of efforts to modernise customs operations, which generate over 90 per cent of Kenya’s revenue, following presidential directives. Devices costing about Ksh300,000 each are fitted to trucks and send signals to a command centre at Times Towers in Nairobi.
Joseph Mucoki, manager of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System, said the gadgets are configured to track vehicles on any route. Swalleh Faraj, KRA deputy acting commissioner for customs and border control in the southern region, noted that the platform has helped deter dumping and cargo theft along the Northern Corridor.
Transporters must register on the Integrated Customs Management System and obtain special licences for drivers before devices are installed using industrial magnets. The system creates a geo-fenced corridor of about 100 metres and alerts officials to any deviations or unauthorised stops.