Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a public notice to alert businesses and transporters whose licences are due to expire on December 31st to begin applying early for renewal, cautioning that the exercise will involve strict compliance verification.
The notification, brought out before December 31, targets the owners of transit godowns, Manufacture Under Bond (MUB) godowns, and bonded warehouses. These entities are supposed to renew their licenses in line with the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.
They must have a copy of their current 2025 licence, security bonds in good standing, and a CR12 form up to date for the firm.
They should also present proof of tenancy either title deed or lease covering more than the term of the licence in order to have continuous lawful occupation of the building.
Tax compliance remains core to the renewal process. KRA has reiterated that companies should provide genuine tax compliance certificates for the firm and its directors.
In furthering the same, applicants must provide 2024 audited financial statements approved by a certified auditor to establish financial health and transparency.
A signed and stamped Form C18 downloadable from the KRA website and to be submitted via the Customs ICMS system is also needed. But KRA cautioned that submitting only papers is not a guarantee for automatic renewal.
Intensive screening will be conducted in every application, and licences will be withheld in case of pending issues or unresolved transactions with the tax authority.
Applications must be made not later than October 31.
Transporters handling goods under customs control have also been reminded that their licence expires on December 31, pursuant to Section 244 of the EACCMA, 2004, and Customs Regulations, 2010.
Just like other operators, transporters will be required to provide documents with supporting applications such as a copy of the logbook of the vehicle, current insurance policy, and, in the case of foreign-registered vehicles, a COMESA Yellow Card.
There should be a form signed and stamped by a customs officer accompanying all applications.
Transporters will be required to submit their applications through regional KRA offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, or Times Tower Nairobi. There will be a fee of KSh26,000 (USD200) for the renewal of licence.
KRA has cautioned transporters and companies against procrastination, noting that it may lead to congestion in the system and possible penalties.
