Kenya is on course to comply with the United Nations’ maritime single window system by March to help boost its international trade, an official said on Tuesday.
Daniel Kiange, manager of trade facilitation and value-added services of State-owned Kenya Trade Network Agency told Xinhua in Nairobi that the International Maritime Organization’s Convention on Facilitation of Maritime Traffic known as FAL Convention requires national governments to introduce electronic information exchange between oceans vessels and ports to reduce ships turnaround time.
“We are currently piloting the maritime single window system to check its effectiveness before it goes live in March. Kenya is keen to operationalize the system because the bulk of its international trade is conducted through the sea,” Kiange said during the unveiling of the proposed Kenya Customs Agent and Freight Forwarders Management Bill 2020.
Kiange said that Kenya is likely to be the first country in East Africa to adhere to the FAL Convention which seeks to digitize maritime transport through automation of all processes.
Kiange said that once the system is fully operational, all ships calling on the port of Mombasa will be required to declare all necessary information electronically while on the high seas before reaching the port.
He noted that training of State agencies and shipping agents on the use of the maritime system is also underway.
The East African nation is keen to automate all processes between importers, the port and shipping agents.
“This will improve the overall efficiency of the maritime trade and transport and enhance Kenya’s position as a gateway for east Africa,” Kiange added.
He revealed that currently ships arriving in Kenya have to undertake cargo clearance manually, a process that contributes to delays for importers and exporters. Enditem
