The  long queues normally witnessed at the One-Stop Border Post at Namanga will now be a thing of the past.

This is after Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) rolled out Internet and Wi-Fi connectivity to enable faster clearance of goods at the border post.

The service has also been extended to One Stop Border Posts in Malaba, Busia, Taveta, and Isebania. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (cargo section) and the Port of Mombasa have also had their connectivity boosted to facilitate faster clearance of goods.

Speaking when he officiated at the launch, Principal Secretary State Department of Trade, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, said use of the Internet could make the process of initiating and doing trade a lot easier, faster, and less expensive.

Kiptoo noted that the government was at the forefront of implementing initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and enhance trade facilitation.

“Using ICT as an enabler, the business community and citizens have been accorded seamless services in addition to giving them the opportunity to access Government services anytime at their convenience,” noted the PS.

He  added that the electronic Single Window System (Kenya TradeNet System), which allowed traders to lodge trade documentation for approvals by regulatory government agencies through the single electronic platform, was one of the projects implemented by the Government that has contributed to savings in time and cost for traders.

The Chief Executive Officer  KenTrade, Amos  Wangora noted that the Agency has been working with stakeholders to develop trade facilitation projects aimed at improving service delivery to enhance the nation’s competitiveness.

Wangora  observed that successful implementation of all the 21 modules in the Kenya TradeNet System had enabled better coordination among government agencies involved in clearance of cargo along the Kenyan borders.

He  added that through support from the World Bank Group’s Kenya Investment Climate Program 2, KenTrade has also facilitated some of the government agencies at the borders with 35 laptops to be used for trade facilitation.

The  System has also been integrated with banking institutions and two mobile payment solutions through the Kenya Revenue (KRA) iTax system, which has made it possible for the traders to submit documents and make payments to the government electronically.

The event which was held at Namanga was also attended by KenTrade Chairman, Suleiman  Shabhal  who said that implementation of the Internet Connectivity and WiFi connectivity was in line with Agency’s Strategic Plan 2015 – 2020 and mission of facilitating trade by simplifying and harmonizing business processes through effective and efficient management of the TradeNet System and provision of related services for Kenya’s global competitiveness.

He added: “Modern ICT technologies are a big part of our everyday lives and we can no longer afford to separate them from our daily activities whether social or business.”

Source Kenya News

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