PORT HEALTH SERVICES PROCESSES TO GO DIGITAL ENHANCING TRADE FACILITATION

NAIROBI, Kenya, 9th September 2014 – The Kenyan Ministry of Health and TradeMark Africa (TMA) have signed an agreement that will facilitate the development of an information system e-portal for Port Health Services. The e-portal will help on improving reporting and information sharing among all Ports of Entry (PoE) and the ministry headquarters.

Speaking at the launch, Khadija Kasachong the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health said,

“This ministry is one of the 13 key Government Agencies being relied upon for successful achievement of Mombasa Port Community Charter Targets. The Charter, which was launched by H. E. the President on 30th June 2014, aims at trade facilitation through effective inter-agency collaboration. The targets include faster automated services by 31st December 2014. Automation of Port Health Services will contribute towards achieving this”.

From Left to Right – Kepha Ombacho, Director Public Health, Masabi Wekesa, Deputy Director of Medical Services, Musimi Francis, Secretary of Administration- Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, TradeMark Africa (TMA) Kenya Country Director and Amos Wangora, General Manager Operations-KENTRADE at the signing ceremony in Laico Regency Hotel in Nairobi Kenya

The purpose of the charter is to among others establish a permanent framework of collaboration, targets and timelines and the collaboration of government agencies at the port will immensely contribute to trade facilitation.

TradeMark Africa Kenya Country Director Dr. Chris Kiptoo added,

“The portal will be directly targeting importers and exporters whose goods have to undergo a mandatory check by Port Health officials at the point of entry before they are allowed into country. Traders can apply directly through the online system at their own convenience as long as they have access to internet saving them time and delays. Additionally, the traders will be able to receive periodical notifications on the status of their application as opposed to them having to physically visit port health offices to inquire about applications.”

Critical to facilitation of trade, the port health e-portal will enable traders to apply and have approval for the mandatory Export Health Certificate (ECG) online. It will also enable officers to access lodged documents electronically 24/7 while providing for them an interface with Kenya National Electronic Single Window System (KNESWS) which will lead to faster issuance of Import and Export Health certificates, hence enhancing trade facilitation. The development of the online portal will be facilitated by TradeMark Africa (TMA) as part of its mandate to promote regional trade and economic integration.

For example, data on a certain application will be transmitted immediately to all PoE’s as well as the ministry headquarters. This will result in speedy clearance processes and issuance of certificates and will address inefficiencies as a result of manual processes and by so doing will reduce delays that can also reduce the cost of transport for shippers and goods to customers.

TradeMark Africa (TMA) will provide technical and financial support to the Division of Environment Health Port Health services Unit. In enhancing trade environment, increasing market access and enhacing trade environment and increased competitiveness, TradeMark Africa (TMA) is spearheading adoption of ICT within key government and non-government institutions to transform their processes and increase efficiencies. We believe that ICT is a crucial component in the improvement of trade facilitation in the East African Community.

As part of the Kenyan government digitization process, the health services ePortal will also be integrated with other government agencies including Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) and 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.