Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has collected a record KSh 85.1 billion ($540 million) in customs taxes in September driven by strong trade and petroleum imports.
According to the authority, the amount surpassed its target of KSh 81.3 billion by KSh 3.8 billion, marking a performance rate of 104.7% and an 18.8% increase from a year earlier.Trade taxes accounted for KSh 51.7 billion, up 22% from the same period last year, while petroleum taxes brought in KSh 33.4 billion, a 9% overshoot of target.KRA attributed the growth to ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, including the establishment of a central release operations office that automates and randomizes cargo clearance to reduce human contact and curb revenue leaks.
The agency said the performance reinforces its commitment to strengthening tax systems to support economic stability.
For the full financial year 2024/2025, KRA surpassed its overall revenue target by collecting Ksh 2.571 trillion, registering a year-on-year growth of 6.8%.
This growth is supported by Kenya’s GDP expansion of 4.7%, easing inflation, a strengthened Kenya Shilling, and lower international oil prices. Key sectors such as agriculture, insurance, transportation, and real estate contributed to the improved revenue performance.
Additionally, KRA collected Ksh 29 billion through a tax amnesty from over 116,000 voluntary declarations.