Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) now targets to onboard four more state agencies into the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System, as it pushes for full automation of trade related approvals.
This will bring to 45, the total number of government agencies and key entities involved in issuance of import-export permits, licensing and approvals, a move the agency says will further enhance trade in Kenya and the region.
According to KenTrade CEO David Ngarama, those to be onboarded include Kenya Wildlife Service, Scrap Metal Council, National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
“All government agencies will be onboard within the next one year,” Ngarama told the Star.
The Single Window System allows parties in trade and transport to lodge standardised information and documents with a single entry-point to fulfil all imports, exports and transit-related regulatory requirements for air, rail, road and maritime transport, and payment for relevant services.
Other users include 38 insurance companies, 36 banks, 1,529 clearing agents, 46 shipping agents and shipping companies, 29 container freight stations and five cargo handling companies.
Some of the key agencies that have been on the platform include Kenya Ports Authority, KRA, Kenya Bureau of Standards and port health.
The system which was rolled out 10 years ago by KenTrade has so far helped improve trade facilitation processes and procedures , with automation increasing from 14 per cent to 94 per cent.
It has increased revenue yield by more than Sh3.5 billion with reduction in cargo clearance documentation approval time from an average of 12 days in 2014 to two days, resulting in savings along the supply chain of an estimated Sh2 billion per year.
“Currently, all payments are 100 per cent automated which has helped improve approvals and facilitate ease movement of goods through the Port of Mombasa and other points of entry, enhancing trade,” said Ngarama.
KenTrade has also been keen on
setting up an online trade logistics
directory that will provide a listing of
all players within the trade logistics
sector, detailing the products and services, prices where applicable and their
contacts to address gaps in trade