Business

KPA, KEBS, KRA forge alliance for enhanced trade efficiency

A file picture of the Times Tower in Nairobi, the headquarters of the Kenya Revenue Authority. (Photo: KRA)

By Farhiya Hussein | Friday, February 23, 2024

The collaboration signals a proactive approach to addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in the dynamic landscape of international trade and commerce.

The country’s key agencies have forged a strategic alliance to enhance efficiency and trade facilitation.

In a meeting on Friday, the Boards of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) convened in a joint engagement to address critical issues vital to the nation's safety and development agenda.

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The meeting, held at the Kenya Ports Authority headquarters in Mombasa, marks a significant step towards optimizing port performance, enhancing trade facilitation, and boosting revenue mobilization, as directed by President William Ruto.

These directives underscore the commitment of Kenya's key agencies to work synergistically towards achieving common goals, promoting economic growth, and advancing the nation's development agenda.

The collaboration signals a proactive approach to addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in the dynamic landscape of international trade and commerce.

It will see the boards commit to quarterly meetings to sustain momentum and ensure ongoing collaboration.

Building upon the momentum of a previous meeting in September 2023, the chairs of the three boards- Benjamin Tayari (KPA), Anthony Ng'ang'a Mwaura (KRA), and Momanyi Nyabonyi (KEBS)- outlined a comprehensive set of directives aimed at streamlining operations and ensuring quality service delivery to the public.

The agencies agreed to expedite the procurement of advanced scanner technology through a Public-Private Partnership to enhance efficiency at ports of entry and exit. Also, immediate action be taken to finalize the integration of IT systems across the three corporations to ensure seamless operations.

The three corporations agreed that any information to be disseminated to the public would be done jointly to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information to the public, fostering transparency and trust.

A framework is to be developed immediately and implemented for the pre-clearance of cargo at ports, this aims to reduce processing times and improve operational efficiency.

The CEOs will devise a framework to address the issue of long-stay cargo within three weeks, streamlining logistics and minimizing delays.

They are required to form a joint framework for licensing requirements for Container Freight Stations which will be established within two weeks.

The three agencies are also expected to expedite the clearance of long-stay containers, enhancing port throughput and reducing congestion.

Further, a joint training needs assessment and plan will be developed for boards and management, ensuring alignment with the government agenda.