Kenyan exporters will spend less time when applying for the certificate of origin following the digitisation of the process.
The traders can apply and receive the document through the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (KNCCI) trade portal in real time.
The automation of issuance of the certificate of origin was as a result of a collaboration between KNCCI and Trade Mark East Africa (TMA).
The system has also been integrated with Equity Bank, allowing for real time payments and receipt of notifications through mobile phones or online.
The certificate is an export document that confirms the country of origin of goods in a particular export shipment.
The automation of the process is set to improve the ease of doing business for Kenyan exporters as less time will be spent on lodging the application and receiving vital the trade document.
Processing of the document has been reduced from two days to one hour, improving efficiency in the sector.
Speaking at the launch, KNCCI chairman Kiprono Kittony said that the portal was developed in response to challenges faced by exporters in accessing manual certificates including delays.
“It will enhance security of the export documents, create more transparency and speed in the issuance of the ordinary certificate of origin and thereby actively play a facilitator role in enhancing a friendly trade environment,” he said.
The 2015 East Africa Logistics Performance Survey released in November last year said that automation of key logistics facilities around the country would improve transport efficiency if state agencies running key logistical facilities work in a coordinated manner.
The portal will also enable exporters to apply and acquire the certificates remotely from the comfort of their locations. The online portal will also give stakeholders access to relevant trade information related to their business and verification.
It is envisaged that the portal will in addition lead to increased efficiency and transparency in KNCCI’s business operations due to the elimination of travel and physical verification required in the manual process.
The chamber is now training members in Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu and Naivasha with an aim of encouraging them to use the system.
People seeking the chamber’s membership can apply through the platform.
Source: Business Daily

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