Eliminating challenges related to processing of import and export cargo that have impacted on Kenya’s business climate and global competitiveness remains a key plank of the government’s transformative agenda.
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This is more so on international and cross border trade where Kenya is undertaking robust reforms at the ports and border points through ongoing digitisation and automation on our trade transaction processes.
A key solution is the Single Window System, the online cargo clearance platform known in Kenya as the Kenya TradeNet System and which was launched in May 2014.
Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) is the state agency mandated to implement and manage this complex and cross cutting project which has integrated with Systems of regulatory and permit issuing agencies known as Partner Government Agencies (PGAs).
These include Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate, Port Health Services, Kenya Police and Pharmacy and Poison Board.
Among the new innovations that KenTrade hopes to leverage on to boost trade facilitation through the Kenya TradeNet System is the Integrated Customs Management System(iCMS) launched by our key partner agency, Kenya Revenue Authority.
Radically improve
The new System is expected to replace the Simba System which has been in use in the country over the last 10 years or so. However it is important to note that this is a government initiative meant to radically improve on the user experience of clearing cargo through our ports and border points.
READ: KRA in plans to install Sh1bn customs system
KenTrade is currently working with KRA to integrate the Real Time Monitoring System (RTMS) for the automation of the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) processes for efficient and faster clearance of cargo at Kenyan borders.
The project scheduled for completion by end of next month will see data sharing between RTMS and the Kenya TradeNet System eliminate the manual processes at Kenyan dorders and drastically reduce the time taken and cost to move goods across borders.
Also in progress is the enhanced communication with stakeholders through SMS and USSD gateway integrated with the Kenya TradeNet System to proactively deliver required realtime updates on status to clients which will allow closer monitoring of documents lodged through the TradeNet System.
With the support of Trade Mark East Africa and UNCTAD, KenTrade has commenced implementation of the E-Portal project that seeks to implement and customize the UNCTAD’s e-Regulations System in order to publish national foreign trade procedures online to be accessible by any interested party.
Source: Business Daily

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.