Clearance of goods to be computerised
What you need to know:
- The system will be rolled out in two phases with the first involving the port of Mombasa and airports
- The changeover is going to be gradual to avoid the risk of stalling the economy in the event of sudden failure
Kenya will switch from manual to electronic clearance of goods at customs in November.
The move is expected to save the economy up to Sh22 billion lost annually through inefficiency and corruption.
The system will be rolled out in two phases with the first involving the port of Mombasa and airports. Border entry points will be brought on board by April 2014.
Mr Alex Kabuga, the chief executive officer of the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE), the Single Window Operator Entity, said internal system checks have been finalised and the process is ready for takeoff.
“We have ensured we have the best infrastructure for the system because any failure can cripple the economy,” said Mr Kabuga.
GRADUAL CHANGEOVER
He was speaking at a workshop in Nairobi aimed at familiarising all stakeholders of the new system and how it is set to revolutionise cargo clearance and business in general.
KENTRADE will bring functions of 10 government bodies involved in port clearance into a single window from where agents or traders submit all the required shipment information. The institutions involved in the first phase are the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Plants Health Inspectorate Services, Horticultural Development Authority, Tea Board of Kenya, Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Veterinary Services as well as Port Health.
The changeover is however going to be gradual to avoid the risk of stalling the economy in the event of sudden failure.
