KRA deploys scanners at port in efficiency chase
Kenya Revenue Authority image analyst Isaac Njoka [second right] shows KRA Commissioner General John Njiraini (in a black jacket) and Mr Guo Ce (second left), Counsellor of the Chinese embassy, how a cargo scanner works. They were at Mombasa port on August 25, 2017. KRA will spend Sh100 million in civil works including installation of the gadgets. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Ce said China will continue to collaborate with Kenya to ensure that cargo clearance is carried out efficiently.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has received cargo scanners worth Sh900 million donated by the Chinese government, which will facilitate the clamp down on contraband smuggling and enhance efficiency.
Speaking during the launch at the port of Mombasa on Friday, Commissioner General John Njiraini said KRA spent a further Sh100 million in civil works including installation of the gadgets.
"KRA scans 500 containers per day. The equipment that will soon be installed will enable us scan 750 containers daily or 30 per cent of all the containers we receive and process each day," he said.
BORDER POINTS
He said as part of the government’s commitment to facilitate trade and improve efficiency, KRA will, starting in September, integrate scanners at all entry points for ease of image analysis and eradicating complicity by interested parties.
"We are creating a software that will integrate the scanners so that all images are sent to a command point in Nairobi for analysis and decision making.
"This will also eliminate possible collusion by interested parties," he said.
CLEARANCE
Mr Njiraini said the replacement of the Simba cargo clearance system is on course and the Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) that was being piloted will be rolled out in September.
The system incorporates special features such as valuation of goods, a time consuming activity done before releasing cargo; it is done manually.
Present during the launch was Guo Ce, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese embassy in Kenya, who said China will continue to collaborate with Kenya to ensure that cargo clearance is carried out efficiently.
