NAIROBI, Kenya, 8th January 2014 – TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) have today signed a Ksh. 7.5 million agreement to support design and development of an online web portal that will automate issuance of Certificate of Origin.A certificate of origin is an important export instrument that allows exporters duty preferences while accessing the requisite exports destination markets.In attendance wasDr.Chris Kiptoo, TMA Kenya Country Director and Mr. Charles Mbogori the CEO of KNCCI.
Speaking at the launch,Mr. Charles Mbogori the CEO of KNCCI said:
“The signing of the financing agreement between KNCCI and TMA is a milestone to trade facilitation process in Kenya. The automation process will include membership automation as well as the certificate of origin and KNCCI will be able to register members online from the County Chambers as well as at the National level. The application, verification, approvals and payments would all be undertaken online and this would assist KNCCI in service delivery to members and also enhance recruitment process.”
TradeMark Africa Kenya Country Director Dr. Chris Kiptoo added,
“The e-portal will improve delivery of services to traders expediting the processing of certificates which will reduce costs that traders and exporters experience as a result of delays.”
The portal is in response to the challenge exporters’ face in accessing manual certificates of origin including delays. It will enhance security of the exports documents. The automation is in line with trade facilitation objectives of Kenyan government. With the online portal, KNCCI stakeholders (members and non-members alike) will apply for certificates of origin online. Additionally, they will readily access relevant trade information, apply for and renew membership, submit payments online). The portal will also include business development process which will entail online registration, automated verification and processing of registration, online payment for registration and automated issuance of registration (membership certificate)
In addition to establishing the portal KNCCI will also focus on training and sensitization of stakeholders on its use and a communication plan tosensitize stakeholders and general public in order to ensure that the portal is not only efficient but also useful.
TradeMark Africa (TMA) will provide technical and financial support to KNCCI.In enhancing trade environment, increasing market access and enhancing trade environment and increased competitiveness, TMA is spearheading adoption of ICT within key government and non-government institutions to transform their processes and increase efficiencies.The KNCCI web portal is part of the Kenyan government digitization process, and will also be integrated with other government agencies including Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) via an interface with the Kenya National Single Window currently in development by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE).
Source: TradeMark Africa (TMA)
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.
