Abstract

The urge for collaboration, harmonization and enhancement of Trade Facilitation in the East
African Community led to the implementation of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking
System (RECTS) along the Northern Corridor. RECTS is a web-based integrated system at a
single platform used to electronically monitor transit cargo under Customs control in real time
along the Northern Corridor through Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda to Democratic Republic of
Congo and South Sudan. This study explored the impact of RECTS implementation on customs
revenue collection and cost of doing business. The study used both secondary and primary data
obtained through interviews and questionnaires to elicit responses. Stratified sampling was used
to identify participants in the study. The findings of this study showed that Transit Time is
reduced by > 50% with electronic monitoring system. This study established that Rapid
Response Unit promptly responded to a total of 2,468 of high risk alerts protecting revenue
worth USD.37, 271,476 that would be lost in cases of attempted robbery, accidents and
diversion. The results indicate that the system is easy to use at 84.8%; is easy to navigate by >
86.9% agreeing that RECT is easy to use. The study concludes that the reduced time lag in the
transportation of cargo from the port to their destinations and business premises saves them the
costs of handling goods on transit. The study recommends recruitment of more transporters to
use RECTS for full benefits.