There is need for all agencies involved in trade facilitation to automate and integrate their procedures and systems to enhance business. This is according to the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Co-ordination Authority (NCTTCA), Executive Director, Dr John Deng who acknowledged improvements in turnaround time for both cargo trucks and vessels.
“Movement of goods from the Port of Mombasa to other EAC states has improved but we still have a few agencies which are yet to be integrated to make if 100% automation. As Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter (MPNCC) marks ten years since its inception, we have made strides in many areas but we need to balance between revenue collection by different countries and trade facilitation, “ said Dr Deng.
Kentrade, Chief Executive Officer, David Ngarama says 94% of document processing procedures are now automated making movement of goods easier and helping reduce demurrage costs for businesses.
“When Kentrade was formed in 2014 only 14% of documentation was digitised but ten years later we have only 6% that is being done through the manual procedure. Automation of payment process has also worked to the advantage of traders,” said Ngarama.
Currently, over 40 government agencies are involved trade facilitation.
“We have invested heavily on modern testing facilities which have enabled inspection and conformity testing to be conducted within few hours,” he said.
