Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Implements Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS)

Earlier today the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), connecting with Rwanda and Uganda in reducing the cost of cargo transportation along the Northern Corridor. RECTS allows revenue authorities in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya to jointly and electronically track and monitor goods (whose taxes have not been paid) along the Northern Corridor from Loading (Departure) to destination within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda
RECTS replaces the existing Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) where monitoring is done independently through stand-alone platforms. This forced KRA officers to toggle between screens, therefore making the process very tedious and ripe for abuse. It also ensures a seamless flow of transit cargo through elimination of multiple arming and disarming, this reduces time it takes to transit cargo. Reduction of transit diversion and enhancing cargo security through detection of transit violations e.g. theft
RECTS will largely facilitate trade along the Northern Corridor as it lowers the cost and time of doing business. It is also expected to curb theft and diversion of goods destined for markets within the Northern Corridor through the port of Mombasa. It is a harmonized system connecting Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. It presents 24/7 Central Monitoring Centres (CMC) in Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali with a view of the entire region. It also consists of 12 Rapid Response Units consisting of Customs and Police Officers along the Northern Corridor.
RECTS also comprises of smart gates and automatic number plate recognition at the port gates and borders. This eliminates manual data capture and reduces the dwell times at the borders and port gates. It brings along better cross border coordination and transit monitoring, improved voluntary compliance with transit laws and regulations. It also ensures that minimal costs are used in enforcement hence better revenue collection.There is also an aspect of transparency in cargo tracking since stakeholders are given access to the system. The RECTS system triggers an alarm whenever there is a diversion from the designated route or an unusually long stopover.
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