State unveils digital certification platform to reduce transaction costs for plant traders

Kephis has launched a digital certification system for export and import of plant materials.

Agriculture PS Paul Rono said the Integrated Export and Import Certification System will reduce the time and transaction costs for traders seeking to obtain plant health certificates, licences and permits for plant and plant materials.

“This is an important milestone for traders of plants and plant products. The IEICS is an example on how state agencies, with the support of partners such as Denmark and TradeMark Africa, are facilitating initiatives to improve the business environment through automation of systems for trade agencies,” Rono said during the launch.

The platform will streamline, enhance transparency and efficiency, in line with the government’s initiatives to digitise processes, thus facilitating the ease of doing business.

“The new system is therefore a game-changer in how traders dealing in the import and export of plants or plant materials can engage more efficiently and seamlessly with Kephis and other agencies through integrated modules," Rono said.

"Noble initiatives such as this are aligned with the Government’s efforts to improve the environment for doing business and positioning the country as an attractive destination to invest.” 

Previously, there were two systems - the Export Certification System which was used to facilitate plant exports to market destinations and the Import Certification System that Kephis used to facilitate imports.

The system will also help to facilitate safe trade.

The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service MD, Theophilus Mutui, said the innovative system will improve overall efficiency of regulatory work as far as the certification process is concerned.

“The system has also enabled government to government exchange of trade information and data through electronic phytosanitary certification platform (ePhyto),” he said.  

“This thereby reduces forgeries of permits and certificates issued or received by the international trading partners. By automating the certification process, Kephis is promoting a more business-friendly environment.” 

The system will reduce paperwork as well as physical interaction and map regional offices for clients’ access.

He added that this will also reduce the administrative burden and transaction cost for traders or their appointed agents by up to 15 per cent.

“All processes are carried out in real time and the status communicated to the trader.” 

Benedict Musengele, acting Senior Director, Trade Environment at TradeMark Africa said the system eliminates inefficiencies.

This is by providing a user-friendly online-based automated system for submitting applications, paying the requisite fees, tracking the approval process and receiving certificates.

"Additionally, there is more transparency in the certification process as traders can now track the progress of their applications through the system without having to contact anyone for updates,” Musengele said.