This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
Published on October 18, 2019, Kenya is pushing to bring on board all East Africa Community member countries to the regional electronic cargo tracking system, Rects, to streamline cargo transportation and boost tax collection through the Single Customs Territory.
The system, which has been in operation for two years, provides real-time tracking of cargo trucks between the port of Mombasa and destinations in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda through the use of electronic seals on cargo being tracked by satellite from a centralised tracking centre.
Speaking at the 2019 Taxpayer's Month Forum, Ukur Yatani, acting Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, said that having all EAC countries using Rects is crucial in avoiding dumping of goods, minimising travel delays, improving cargo security, and boosting tax revenues.
However, the biggest challenge is that Tanzania has its own electronic cargo tracking system, Tancis, a multi-vendor platform owned by private companies.
While negotiations with Tanzania are ongoing, South Sudan is set to join Rects as soon as the transitional government is in place this November.
"The timelines are not clear for Tanzania but the country joining Rectis will improve cargo transit for DRC and Rwanda," said Richard Kamajugo, Trademark East Africa senior director for trade environment.
