Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have unveiled a Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTs) in a bid to curb lose of cargo in transit.
Speaking in Kampala, where the Sh440 million system was launched, customs officials said the system would reduce transit time from Mombasa to two days from the current seven.
The system will enable revenue authorities jointly track movement of goods from port to destination electronically. The service will be free as revenue authorities will meet all operational costs.
Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General Doris Akol said the system will reduce cost of doing business, enhancing cargo safety and helping traders predict arrival of goods.
“The partnership helps us monitor goods, ease cargo handling, improving revenue collection and reducing diversion of untaxed goods. This will benefit traders and assure potential investors of level playing field in our region,” she said.
The United Kingdom Department for International Development has supported the project with Sh457.6 million grant. RECTs comprises satellites, central command centres in each of the revenue authorities headquarters, smart gates and rapid response units.
An electronic seal is attached on transit cargo vehicles and communicates with the command centres giving real time updates. Rapid response units are stationed along sections of the Northern Corridor identified as notorious for diversion of goods.
Source: Media Max

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