New electronic cargo clearance system unveiled

By Faith  Karanja

The Kenya Trade Network Agency (Kentrade) is set to operationalise the Kenya National Electronic Single Window (KNESWS) Project as it endeavours to simplify trade processes within the country.

The project is expected to facilitate trade in Kenya by reducing and lowering costs associated with clearance of goods at the country’s borders. The system will help reduce cargo dwell time at the port of Mombasa to a maximum of three days and a minimum one-day at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) over a period of a year after commencement. At the same time, it will help in maintaining the requisite controls and collection of levies, fees, duties and taxes, where applicable, on imports or exports.

Kentrade Chief Executive Officer Alex Kabuga said the agency is determined to eradicate the use of paper by shifting to the digital system.

He raised the concern that investors spend more money due to the inefficiencies of the current system, which he said, does not add value to the economy.

 “It is Wanjiku who pays for the inefficiency cost and the big question is whether she can afford it. Paper is being imported with high value added tax,” he added while speaking to the press during the official launch of the project at a Nairobi hotel. It took over 216 meetings and 7 months for the corporation to go through the process of business process re-engineering (BPR).

existing procedures

The process entailed analysis and redesign of existing procedures to bring about efficiency.

The project team engaged stakeholders in a comprehensive BPR exercise to understand which are the most efficient procedures in international trade.

General Manager, Operations at Kentrade Amos Wangoru said the corporation has worked with KRA and other government bodies to ensure the system stabilises before being launched.

He explained that 24 government agencies would use the system to minimise time spent in the clearance system. He said the agency would monitor the system for 30 days and continue training agents.