Greenworld Big Data Sues KRA Over Alleged Theft of Cargo Tracking Software

Greenworld Big Data Limited has asked the High Court to suspend the Kenya Revenue Authority's newly launched Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system, alleging the agency copied its proprietary cargo tracking software after confidential demonstrations in 2023.

According to court filings, the dispute began when Greenworld developers gave nine senior KRA officials a detailed technical presentation of their ACID logistics platform. The company argues KRA relied on confidential information shared during those presentations to develop the ACD platform after cutting off communication with Greenworld. According to the suit, the tax agency later launched the ACD system without entering into a licensing agreement or compensating the company.

The legal challenge comes days after KRA made the ACD platform mandatory for all containerised imports. The system requires importers to obtain a 15-character reference code before cargo is loaded by submitting shipment documents including a draft bill of lading, commercial invoice, freight invoice, and export declaration.

Industry players are already challenging the new requirement. The Shippers Council of Eastern Africa argues the declaration creates unnecessary bottlenecks by requiring traders to submit information they already provide through existing KenTrade and KRA platforms.

In addition to seeking orders suspending the platform, Greenworld is asking the court to award damages or, alternatively, a 30 percent royalty on the financial benefits it says KRA derives from the system.

KRA had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication. The case could determine whether the tax authority can continue using the ACD platform while raising broader questions about how government agencies handle proprietary software presented during procurement discussions.