The Kenya Revenue Authority has announced the rollout of two new systems aimed at improving how custom-related disputes are handled in the country. In a statement, the taxman announced the rollout of the Independent Review of Objections (IRO) and the Technical Review Unit (TRU), the two systems set to take effect from August 2025, to ensure that disagreements about customs decisions are looked at fairly and transparently. "This rollout, which is aligned with Gazette Notice No.1036 and the provisions of Section 11 of the KRA Act (CAP 469), delegates the responsibility for Customs Dispute Resolution to the Commissioner responsible for Tax Dispute Resolution," KRA said in a statement. Once the new systems are in place, customs officers will no longer be involved in the initial decision-making process in customs-related disputes, as these issues will be handled by a separate unit.
A ship docked at the Port of Mombasa, February 5, 2025.
Photo KPA For example, with the IRO, if a trader disagrees with a decision made by a customs officer, they can appeal the decision or request that an independent body reviews the case, rather than having to accept the original decision.
According to KRA, the changes are based on the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA).
