Background

Next Sun Logistics is establishing its cross-border transit division. We are seeking an entrepreneurial, detail-oriented Lead – Customs Transit & Bond Operations to design, launch, and manage our transit guarantee facilities (CB8, COMESA RCTG, and EAC Bonds). This individual will take full ownership of our customs compliance, underwriter relationships, border clearance efficiency, and client billing to ensure seamless, profitable cargo movement across the Northern and Central corridors.

Core Responsibilities

Bond Management & Execution

Manage the setup, activation, monitoring, and tracking of CB8 (National), CB8A (COMESA RCTG), and CB8B (EAC) transit bonds with revenue authorities (primarily the Kenya Revenue Authority - KRA). Liaise with financial partners and insurance underwriters to negotiate competitive premium rates, secure credit limits, and manage counter-indemnities.

Cancellation & Discharge

Ensure all transit bonds are systematically cancelled, discharged, or acquitted within the statutory window (typically 30 days) following cargo dispatch. Act proactively to prevent KRA penalties, bond calls, or forfeiture of security by guaranteeing rapid system acquittals immediately upon proof of export.

Documentation & Customs Compliance

Rigorously verify all transport and customs entries, manifest records, T1s, Carnets, and border exit/arrival proofs before and after dispatch. Lodge and manage transit declarations directly via KRA ICMS, ASYCUDA World, and regional single-window platforms, ensuring 100% compliance with East African customs laws.

Risk & Alert Monitoring

Track system alerts regarding open bonds, delayed trucks, or unconfirmed arrivals at destination ports and borders. Coordinate with the tracking department to monitor the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), intervening immediately in cases of route deviation, truck breakdowns, or seal tampering.

Stakeholder Coordination

Liaise daily with border clearing agents, partner transporters, internal logistics teams, and resident customs officers to resolve operational bottlenecks. Build and manage a network of reliable clearing agents at major border points (Malaba, Busia, Namanga, Isebania, etc.) for swift cargo handoffs.

Commercial Billing & Client Invoicing

Calculate accurate client rates, bond utilization charges, and transit fees for all cross-border logistics services. Oversee the generation of client bills and invoices, ensuring all direct and indirect transit costs (premiums, border fees, escort charges) are captured and billed to maintain division profitability.

Qualifications & Experience

Certification (Mandatory)

Possession of the East African Customs Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate (EACFFPC) or a relevant diploma from the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA).

Experience

Minimum 5–7 years in customs clearing, transit operations, and bond execution within the East African logistics market.

Technical Mastery

Hands-on proficiency with KRA ICMS, SIMBA, the COMESA RCTG system, and basic logistics billing/ERP software.

Network

Demonstrated working relationships with KRA officials, regional border stations, and surety insurance underwriters.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

0% Bond Default Rate

No penalties or bond calls from KRA.

• Manage the setup, activation, monitoring, and tracking of CB8 (National), CB8A (COMESA RCTG), and CB8B (EAC) transit bonds with revenue authorities (primarily the Kenya Revenue Authority - KRA).
• Liaise with financial partners and insurance underwriters to negotiate competitive premium rates, secure credit limits, and manage counter-indemnities.
• Ensure all transit bonds are systematically cancelled, discharged, or acquitted within the statutory window (typically 30 days) following cargo dispatch.
• Act proactively to prevent KRA penalties, bond calls, or forfeiture of security by guaranteeing rapid system acquittals immediately upon proof of export.
• Rigorously verify all transport and customs entries, manifest records, T1s, Carnets, and border exit/arrival proofs before and after dispatch.
• Lodge and manage transit declarations directly via KRA ICMS, ASYCUDA World, and regional single-window platforms, ensuring 100% compliance with East African customs laws.
• Track system alerts regarding open bonds, delayed trucks, or unconfirmed arrivals at destination ports and borders.
• Coordinate with the tracking department to monitor the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), intervening immediately in cases of route deviation, truck breakdowns, or seal tampering.
• Liaise daily with border clearing agents, partner transporters, internal logistics teams, and resident customs officers to resolve operational bottlenecks.
• Build and manage a network of reliable clearing agents at major border points (Malaba, Busia, Namanga, Isebania, etc.) for swift cargo handoffs.
• Calculate accurate client rates, bond utilization charges, and transit fees for all cross-border logistics services.
• Oversee the generation of client bills and invoices, ensuring all direct and indirect transit costs (premiums, border fees, escort charges) are captured and billed to maintain division profitability.

• Proficiency with KRA ICMS, SIMBA, COMESA RCTG system, and basic logistics billing/ERP software.
• Demonstrated working relationships with KRA officials, regional border stations, and surety insurance underwriters.
• Strong understanding of East African customs laws and transit operations.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Detail-oriented and proactive problem-solving abilities.

• East African Customs Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate (EACFFPC) or a relevant diploma from the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA).
• Minimum 5–7 years in customs clearing, transit operations, and bond execution within the East African logistics market.
• Hands-on proficiency with KRA ICMS, SIMBA, the COMESA RCTG system, and basic logistics billing/ERP software.
• Demonstrated working relationships with KRA officials, regional border stations, and surety insurance underwriters.