Kenya embraces COMESA's e-Certificate of Origin to boost regional trade
The regional launch of the e-CO system took place in November 2024, starting with Eswatini, Malawi and Zambia as the first pilot countries.
Kenya has taken a major step towards modernising its trade processes by introducing an electronic system that will speed up the clearance of goods within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.
The new platform, known as the COMESA Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO), allows exporters to apply for, issue and verify certificates online, replacing the manual procedures that were often lengthy and inconvenient.
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It is expected to make cargo clearance more efficient and enhance trade between Kenya and more than 21 member states.
A Certificate of Origin is a key document that confirms where goods have been produced, grown or manufactured.
The regional launch of the e-CO system took place in November 2024, starting with Eswatini, Malawi and Zambia as the first pilot countries.
Zimbabwe and Kenya have now joined the programme, increasing the number of participating states to 21, with several others preparing to come on board.
“This launch is a signal that Kenya is ready to drive forward digital transformation, regional integration, and continental unity,” said Regina Akoth Ombam, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in a speech delivered on her behalf by Timothy Were, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Trade.
Under the arrangement, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will handle exporter registration, issuance and verification of the electronic certificates, while the Comesa Secretariat will provide technical support and guidance whenever required.
Certificates of origin are granted to exporters within the COMESA Free Trade Area (FTA) to ensure goods from member states receive preferential treatment. The e-CO initiative has been rolled out under the COMESA Trade Facilitation Programme, supported by the 11th European Development Fund.
The system is expected to benefit both businesses and customs officials by shortening processing times, cutting costs, and allowing goods to cross borders more smoothly.
E-CO is set to enhance efficiency and transparency through real-time tracking, process monitoring, and certificate management. It also strengthens security via digital signatures and secure data exchanges, while promoting better compliance with national and regional regulations.
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