Lead – Customs Transit & Bond Operations at NextSun Global Logistics Limited in Nairobi, Kenya

    NextSun Global Logistics Limited logo

    Lead – Customs Transit & Bond Operations

    Posted

    2 days ago

    Apply by

    4 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    Logistics & Transportation
    Logistics & Transportation

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    Job Description

    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.

    Key Responsibilities

    • 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.
    • 0% Bond Default Rate: No penalties or bond calls from KRA.
    • < 30-Day Acquittal Turnaround: 100% of bonds discharged within the statutory limit.
    • Billing Accuracy: Zero revenue leakage on transit shipments.

    Required Qualifications

    • 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.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Logistics & Transportation

    Minimum Experience

    5 years

    Education Level

    Diploma

    Area of Study

    Customs and Freight Forwarding

    Field of Study

    Customs and Freight Forwarding

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to careers@nextsunlogistics.com using the position as subject of email.

    Master the Bond Lifecycle Before You Apply

    This role is not just about moving cargo—it's about protecting the company from KRA penalties and bond calls. Hiring managers will probe your hands-on experience with CB8, RCTG, and EAC bonds, and your ability to manage acquittals within 30 days.

    1. Prove your bond execution track record: On your CV, list specific bond types you've managed (CB8, CB8A, CB8B) and quantify your acquittal turnaround times. Mention any instances where you prevented bond forfeiture or penalties.

    2. Show system fluency: Be ready to discuss your daily use of KRA ICMS, SIMBA, and ASYCUDA World. If you've used COMESA RCTG, highlight that. If not, show willingness to learn quickly.

    3. Demonstrate underwriter and KRA relationships: Hiring managers want to see that you can negotiate premiums and manage counter-indemnities. Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained these relationships.

    4. Prepare for scenario questions: Expect questions like 'A truck is delayed at Malaba with an open bond—what do you do?' Walk through your step-by-step process, emphasizing rapid communication and system updates.

    5. Highlight billing accuracy: Since the role includes billing, show that you understand how to capture all transit costs (premiums, border fees, escort charges) to prevent revenue leakage. Give an example of a time you improved billing accuracy.

    6. Understand the corridors: Familiarize yourself with the Northern and Central corridors, key border points (Malaba, Busia, Namanga, Isebania), and common bottlenecks. Show that you know the terrain.

    7. Emphasize compliance mindset: This role demands zero tolerance for non-compliance. Share how you stay updated on East African customs laws and ensure 100% compliance in your work.

    8. Ask smart questions: In the interview, ask about the company's current bond portfolio, existing underwriter relationships, and the size of the transit team. This shows you're thinking strategically about the role.

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    Tags

    customs
    transit bonds
    KRA
    ICMS
    COMESA RCTG