KRA chair Ndiritu Muriithi calls for new system to cut cost of consolidated cargo

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi has advocated for changes in the handling of consolidated cargo to help importers clear and collect only their own goods, without bearing the costs and complications tied to shared containers. Speaking to journalists in Nanyuki on August 20, 2026, Muriithi emphasized the need to improve the de-consolidation process, where goods packed together in a single container are separated according to their respective owners after arrival.

He argued that importers should only be responsible for their purchased goods, not having to deal with consignments belonging to other traders. Muriithi illustrated this principle using everyday items, stating that traders should pay for what they own, such as a fridge or a camera, and not for goods belonging to others. He highlighted the inefficiency of the current de-consolidation process, which often leads to complications when shipments from different traders are packed together.

Muriithi proposed the creation of a dedicated facility for de-consolidation, where importers could identify, pay for, and collect their specific consignments without becoming responsible for items belonging to other importers. He stressed that a practical solution to this issue is necessary to make cargo clearance easier and more affordable, particularly for small-scale traders relying on shared containers.

The KRA aims to enhance transparency and responsiveness to business needs by streamlining the de-consolidation process, allowing importers to easily distinguish and pay for their individual shipments.