Transit shed operators have until October 31, 2026, to apply for renewal of their licences for the 2027 to 2029 period. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has also outlined several documents that operators must submit before their applications can be considered.
KRA said the current licences will expire on December 31, 2026. Operators are therefore required to begin the renewal process early so that their businesses can continue operating under valid licences. The authority said the renewal process is governed by Section 12 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004. It is also guided by Gazette Notice No. 5215 of 2017.
Applicants must provide a copy of their current licence for 2024 to 2026. They must also submit a valid security bond and company registration certificate.
In addition, operators need to provide a title or valid lease agreement. The agreement must extend beyond the period covered by the new licence.
KRA also requires a copy of the Gazette Notice allowing the company to operate as a transit shed. Applicants must further provide a current CR12, the company’s tax compliance certificate and similar certificates for each director.
The renewal package must also include the company’s audited annual accounts for the 2025 financial year. Operators are required to submit a duly completed, signed and stamped C18 form.
KRA said the application form can be downloaded from its website. However, submitting all the required documents will not automatically secure a renewed licence.
“Production of the above documents does not automatically guarantee renewal of a license,” the authority said in the public notice.
Applicants will still undergo further vetting by KRA before a decision is made. Successful applicants will also be required to pay a licence fee equivalent to US$10,000 per licence in Kenya shillings. KRA said applications must be submitted through the Customs ICMS system on or before October 31, 2026. This gives operators a clear deadline as they prepare their renewal documents.
The authority also reminded operators that the current licences expire on December 31.
Operators seeking clarification can contact KRA through its listed telephone numbers or email address, CBClisensing@kra.go.ke, according to the notice.