New openings as agency unveils trading system

By James  Anyanzwa

Nairobi,Kenya:Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) has embarked on a major re-organisation of its internal functions as it moves closer to installing an electronic single window system later this year.

The system whose implementation is scheduled for October will provide an electronic platform for exchange of trade related papers by stakeholders involved in international trade transactions.

key positions

 The State Corporation formed in January 2011 is mandated to implement, operationalise and manage the Kenya Electronic Single Window System and to facilitate trade in Kenya.

To support implementation of the system, the corporation is seeking to fill 35 key positions within the organisation. The corporation is looking for a Manager – Customer Service and an Assistant Manager Customer Service and Call Centre.

The corporation also seeks four Call Centre Assistants who shall be in-charge of answering queries, handling complaints and providing information to customers for effective and efficient operations in order to support the fulfillment of its mission.

Also required are 10 Customer Officers, 12 Call Centre Assistants, Training Officer, Administration Officer and Human Resource Officer.

Others are Procurement Officer, Financial Account, Management Accountant and Security Officer.

The Electronic Single Window System is expected to reduce the number of days required to clear imported and exported goods at the entry/exit points of Mombasa, Malaba and Namanga.

Kenya loses a lot of revenue at the Port of Mombasa annually due to inefficiencies, and delays in clearing goods

It is believed that the automation of these services would improve efficiency at the ports besides saving billions of dollars annually.

Similar projects have been implemented in various countries such as Singapore, Mauritius, Ghana, Senegal, Britain and Switzerland.

According to the corporation, trade procedures in Kenya are inefficient, lengthy and slow, an aspect which has led to negative impact on the economy due to high cost of trade transactions.

 This has been an issue of major concern for both the Government and the Private Sector. The inefficient trade transaction processes have led to a relatively high cost of doing business in Kenya, which has in turn resulted to a poor ranking of Kenya in the World Doing Business Report.

two phases

Kentrade says the Single Window System would be implemented into two phases.

Phase one will automate the cargo documentation processes by integrating the systems of all the key stakeholders involved in cargo clearance in the public and private sectors.

Phase two will involve integration of the Single Window System with the National Payments System (NPS) via a National Payment Gateway to ensure an end-to-end electronic solution in trade logistics.