Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has set a new record in customs tax collection after netting Sh85.1 billion in September 2025, the highest amount ever collected in a single month in the Authority’s history.
The record-breaking collection surpassed the monthly target of Sh81.3 billion by Sh3.8 billion, translating to a performance rate of 104.7 percent and marking an impressive 18.8 percent year-on-year growth compared to the same period last year.
According to the statement released by KRA on October 8, 2025, the strong performance was driven by increased collections from both trade and petroleum taxes.
"The remarkable performance is driven by strong collections from both trade and petroleum taxes. Trade taxes contributed Sh51,737.92 billion against a target of Sh50.739 billion, reflecting a 22.1% growth from the corresponding period last year and a performance rate of 102.0%," the statement read in part.
"Meanwhile, petroleum taxes recorded an exceptional 109.2% performance rate by collecting Sh33.408 billion against a target of Sh30.602 billion."
The Authority attributed the historic results to ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in customs operations.
One of the key reforms, the establishment of a Central Release Operations Office, has streamlined cargo clearance by enabling head verification officers to remotely and randomly allocate release stations to inspect and clear goods.
KRA noted that the system has minimized human contact, reduced opportunities for corruption, and improved turnaround times for cargo release, factors that have significantly boosted compliance and revenue performance.
“The outstanding performance underscores KRA’s unwavering commitment to modernizing revenue collection systems and ensuring the country meets its fiscal objectives,” the Authority said in a statement.
KRA reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the government’s economic growth agenda through consistent revenue mobilization, efficiency reforms, and technology-driven operations.
“These results demonstrate our collective progress toward a self-sustaining economy,” the statement added