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Kenya: Govt Says Cargo Clearance Platform Saves Traders Up to Sh2 Billion Annually

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4 years ago

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Nairobi — The Government says it has facilitated annual savings of up to Sh2 billion for traders dealing with import and export business since the launch of the Single window system which eases cargo clearance, Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) CEO Amos Wang’ora says.

Wang’ora said the platform which aggregates various clearance agencies is a relief for traders who previously incurred corruption costs, cost of delay, and other miscellaneous expenses (transport, hotel expenses) accrued while dealing with multiple agencies.

The single window system which was launched in 2013 has so far achieved a 92 percent activation rate and has onboarded 38 Government partner agencies with over 16,000 registered users.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, he said that the platforms enable traders to make applications, get approvals, and import their products from the comfort of their homes.

“The system has cleared many obstacles for traders and has minimized corruption by creating a platform where traders can see all the requirements needed to comply with import, export, and transit commodities,” he said,

Kentrade chairperson Mugambi Imanyara urged business people dealing with imports and export to take advantage of the system which provides a step-by-step guide to imports, exports, and transit trade procedures to assist them to make informed choices.

He said that what initially took up to 3 days to clear goods has been reduced to half a day but decried that many Kenyans are still susceptible to cargo clearing agencies who create unnecessary delays in order to charge extra money.