At the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), trade facilitation is a central function of Customs and Border Control. To support seamless regional trade and enhance revenue mobilization, KRA has introduced the Green Channel—a faster, more efficient cargo clearance process designed to improve the ease of doing business in Kenya.
The KRA Green Channel allows pre-approved goods to be processed quickly by classifying them as low-risk, bypassing routine physical inspections while still undergoing non-intrusive scanning. This significantly cuts down on verification time and unnecessary delays, offering clearance within 30 minutes to an hour when documents are complete and accurate.
How the KRA Green Channel Works
Initially, the Green Channel system benefited only Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs)—companies vetted for compliance, safety, and reliability. These businesses automatically received expedited cargo clearance due to their trusted status.
Today, the system has expanded to include other compliant businesses that meet stringent conditions, such as:
- Maintaining proper import/export records
- Meeting customs safety and security standards
- Having no record of customs fraud
Passengers with nothing to declare but carrying goods within allowable duty-free limits may also use the Green Channel at entry points.
Green Channel for Exports
KRA authorizes Green Channel treatment for exporters of tea, coffee, herbs, and spices under the following conditions:
- The products originate in Kenya
- They are declared under exports regime E1/EX1 via Kilindini port
- They fall under tariff heading 09 (CET, 2017)
- They are transported in sealed trucks
- They undergo non-intrusive inspection (NII) at the port
- The consignments are subjected to Post Clearance Audit (PCA)
Green Channel for Imports
The Green Channel is also available for brand-new motor vehicle spare parts that meet these requirements:
- Declared via Kilindini seaport or Inland Container Depot Nairobi (ICDN)
- Classified under tariff heading 8708 (parts and accessories for motor vehicles)
- Shipped in a 20-foot container
- Scanned on entry through NII
- Subject to Post Clearance Audit upon arrival at the importer’s premises
By introducing the KRA Green Channel, Kenya is making substantial progress in reducing cargo clearance time, increasing trade transparency, and improving the overall business climate. This initiative supports the government’s broader goal of boosting investor confidence and positioning Kenya as a competitive hub for international trade.
