Uproar as KRA withdraws clearing agents’ passwords

By Patrick Beja

There was an outcry by clearing and forwarding agents in Mombasa following withdrawal of passwords used for online clearing of goods.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) enforced a notice on Friday afternoon requiring importers to pay duty directly instead of through clearing and forwarding agents.

Acting commissioner of Customs services Beatrice Memo last week posted an electronic notice to importers and the agents over the issue.

Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association national vice-chairman Peter Mambembe protested against the decision claiming it would paralyse business at the Port.

Mr Mambembe said: "The notice was for three days only and this is too short. We get the documents for clearing cargo from importers and we wonder why we are being victimised when importers are supported to pay duty directly to KRA".

He said he was among 69 clearing and forwarding agents whose passwords have been withdrawn.

Third Parties

Contacted for comment yesterday, senior KRA assistant commissioner for marketing and communications at the Southern Region Fatuma Yusuf advised affected agents to sort out their problems with KRA.

"They should come forward and sort out their problems with us and not through a third party," Yusuf said.