SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Why Kenya TradeNet System matters to the economy

Kindly detail the services
currently available through the
Kenya TradeNet System. Which

B
est practices require that documents does the System
a Single Window System process?
is managed centrally by an The services are Submission,
independent corporate entity, to Processing, Payments and
enable appropriate Government Approval of cargo clearance
Agencies and Authorities to documents electronically. The main
receive and access information modules available include:
relevant for their purposes. Unique Consignment
In Kenya, the Government Reference(UCR)
established the Kenya Trade Impending Arrival Report (IAR)
Network Agency (KENTRADE) Bay Plan (BAPLIE)
in January 2011 to implement, Manifest Sea
operationalise and manage Air Manifest
the Kenya National Electronic Import Declaration Form (IDF)
Single Window System (Kenya Dynamic Risk Management
TradeNet System) and to facilitate
Security Bonds
international trade.
Exemptions
Kenya TradeNet System is an
Payments records
online Government to Business Mr Amos Wangora, the Acting Chief Executive of Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) PHOTO/FILE Availability of attachments
(G2B) trading platform for
information low between traders to the relevant Government as there is suficient internet Cargo Release dash board
electronic trade. It integrates
and the Government Agencies in Agencies. All key players are connectivity. Reports
public and private sectors
trading transactions into a one- order to bring meaningful gains to integrated/interfaced through the
stop shop paperless trade. This all parties involved in cross border Kenya TradeNet System platform, If I do not complete the Import/ Export Permits issued
has positioned Kenya as the trade. The objective of the System through which they can complete registration process, can I by the following Partner
leading nation in the East African is to facilitate International trade their procedures for the movement continue later or do I have to Government Agencies (PGAs):
Community (EAC) to embrace in Kenya by reducing delays and of goods in a simpliied framework restart from the beginning? Kenya Revenue Authority
comprehensive electronic trade lowering costs associated with at minimum time and cost without To register successfully, a trader Kenya Bureau of Standards
transactions. clearance of goods at the Kenyan physically going to various has to start and complete the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate
The implementation of borders, while maintaining the Government Agency ofices registration process. This is Services
the Kenya TradeNet System requisite controls and collection because the registration process is Pharmacy and Poisons Board
commenced in 2012, and the of levies, fees, duties and taxes, Who is eligible to log into and short and detailed. Port Health,
System went live on October 30, where applicable, on imports or use the Kenya TradeNet System? Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
2013. To date, KENTRADE has exports. All parties involved in the import How is Personal Identiication Authority - Horticultural Crops
successfully implemented 18 and export (international trade) Number (PIN) activated in the Directorate
modules and their functionalities. Please compare current scenario are eligible to use the Kenya Kenya TradeNet System? Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
All key Partner Government with the previous one before the TradeNet System portal. These There are two important steps Authority -Sugar Directorate
Agencies (PGAs) involved in the implementation of the Kenya include Partner Government in activating PIN in the Kenya Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
issuance of import and export TradeNet System. Agencies, Customs Agents, TradeNet System. PIN Activation Authority -Coff ee Directorate
trade related documentation have Prior to the implementation of Banks, Insurance, Consolidators, and PIN Opting in. PIN Activation Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
had their process automated via the Kenya TradeNet System, the Container Freight Station, Ground is done after conirmation of Authority -Tea Directorate
the Kenya TradeNet System. clearing System for cargo at various Handling Agents, Shipping the PINs existence from Kenya Department of Veterinary
In this Q&A, KENTRADEs border points faced numerous Agents, Exporter/Importer and Revenue Authority (KRA) itax Services
Acting CEO Mr Amos Wangora challenges that compromised Courier Service. All the above System by KENTRADE Staff . This Kenya Diary Board
discusses pertinent issues on the countrys ability to maximise can apply for registration to use means that the relevant PIN has Radiation Protection Board
the implementation of the Kenya beneits that accrued with the Kenya TradeNet System. They been created in Kenya TradeNet Pest Control and Produce Board
TradeNet System. eficient Systems. For example, will get their individual accounts System (Exists). National Biosafety Authority
the documentation procedures credentials depending on the However, for one to be able Nursing Council of Kenya
Lets start with an explanation associated with international activities they are authorised to to transact business through the Kenya Medical Laboratory
of what a Single Window trade were largely manual, perform. System, the PIN has to be opted Technicians and Technologists
System means. resource intensive and expensive. in. PIN Opting in is done by the Board
A Single Window System is Secondly, the traders had to How can a trader get access to
relevant oficers in the various
deal separately with multiple the Kenya TradeNet System?
basically a trade facilitation tool Partner Government Agencies Have stakeholders complained of
government agencies, some of KenTrades website is
that enables parties involved in (PGA). This means that the PIN system challenges since the cut-off? If
which had no electronic Systems. www.kentrade.go.ke. A trader
international trade to submit has been authorised by the PGA to so, how have they been addressed?
regulatory import and export Thirdly, the usual ineficiency of gets access to the TradeNet There has been impressive uptake
transact business with the PGA.
related documentation through a trade documentation processes System through it. There are in the usage of the Kenya TradeNet
created perennial problems of links provided at the bottom of Please note that the following
Single platform, hence the name PGAs have authorised KenTrade System since the July 1, 2015 cut-off
Single Window System. Kenya delays in clearance of goods at the Agencys website homepage, date. The System has been integrated
TradeNet System is a trade mark the Kenyan ports on the Trading which can be accessed by clicking staff to opt in PINs for importers/ with several PGAs Systems. While
community. This resulted in high on the TradeNet portal. exporters on their behalf: Kenya
name for the Single Window it is not unusual for Information
transaction costs. Revenue Authority (KRA), Technology Systems to experience
System in Kenya.
With stakeholders now using the As a trader, can I register to use Department of Veterinary Services hitches, the technical teams are
How does the Kenya TradeNet Kenya TradeNet System, the cargo the Kenya TradeNet System from (DVS) and Kenya Dairy Board constantly and closely monitoring
documentation is now transmitted my mobile phone or tablet? (KDB). However, for the Clearing the System as a mitigation measure,
System facilitate trade in Kenya?
It expedites and simpliies electronically. It is submitted only Yes, a trader can register from a and Forwarding Agents (C&F), PIN and also addressing challenges that
once and the same is transmitted smart phone or a tablet as long opting in is done by KRA staff . may arise.

www.kentrade.go.ke
 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Why Kenya TradeNet System matters to the economy

The National Treasury issued Cooperative Bank, KCB, Standard sizing the Infrastructure to World Trade Organisation (WTO) partners will also come on board
a public notice that effective Chartered bank, Citi bank and ensure that the System does not eff orts to ease trade and enhance to assist in the inancing of other
July 1, 2015 all imports and Bank of Africa. The rest of the crash with heavy transaction compliance as well as simplifying initiatives that will enhance
exports related document are banks are piloting on the System. load. Additionally, the Systems bureaucratic procedures in the successful implementation of the
to be processed through the This service will progressively be performance has been tested and movement of goods across borders. Kenya TradeNet System
Kenya TradeNet System. What available at other banks once they it has been in use for almost two The System It has also brought
does this mean and what are are comfortable using the Kenya years, handling increasing load greater harmonization and better What is the future of the Kenya
traders doing differently? TradeNet System. gracefully. sharing of relevant data across the TradeNet System?
The public notice was to notify Government departments/System The Single Window Concept is not
Kenya TradeNet System users How eficient has the System been How can traders be sure that resulting in improved eficiency, new. It is currently operational
of the modules that had been in terms of revenue collection? hackers will not interfere with transparency and eff ectiveness in Singapore, Korea, Malaysia,
completed and were operational. The System has integrated with the System and gain access to of oficial controls. This enhances Mauritius, Tunisia and Ghana, just
This essentially meant that from the Kenya Revenue Authority iTax conidential information? revenue collection and reduces to mention a few. Studies from
July 1, 2015, traders processing System to facilitate electronic As per ICT Security best practice cost of doing business for both these countries indicate their
documents from Partner payments for applications made used to secure key National the Government and the business economies have realised large
Government Agencies (PGAs) through the Kenya TradeNet Information Systems, KenTrade community. savings via: Reduced ineficiencies,
were able to: System, which has now facilitated a has implemented a host of improved transparency and
Submit all cargo clearance faster and more eficient payment cutting edge Information Security What beneits can you say will be visibility in trade documentation
related documents electronically process for the Trade community. technologies to provide assurance derived from it after one year, mid- processing, Reduced manual
through the Kenya TradeNet of System security. KenTrade also term (5yrs), and in the long run? d o c u m e n t a t i o n / p a p e r w o r k ,
System for processing and Is the Kenya TradeNet has a highly qualiied ICT team Once all the modules are Reduced cost of capital (JIT
approval by various Government System replacing the Systems that works to ensure Information implemented and operationalised, Concept); Reduced demurrage,
Agencies being used by other Partner Systems security. the System will eliminate the and improved space utilisation at
Make electronic payments Government Agencies (PGAs) cumbersome paperwork. The the Ports, i.e., increased capacity
through the Kenya TradeNet e.g. SIMBA System, or will it be Will implementation of the UCR concept facilitates creation utilisation for higher volume
System facilitating their interaction? Kenya TradeNet System result of electronic iles and therefore turnover.
Receive approved documents No. the Kenya TradeNet System in job losses? does away with the need for paper International Organisations,
electronically through the Kenya will not to replace any of the No. We do not expect anyone to based iles. The introduction of such as World Trade Organisation
TradeNet System. Partner Government Agencies lose their job as a result of the a Dynamic Risk Management (WTO), World Customs
Systems. The Kenya TradeNet implementation of the Kenya module has introduced objectivity Organisation(WCO), United
System is an interface between TradeNet System. The System and eradicated/reduced Nations; and Africa Alliance for
What about payments? How the business community and will instead enable the business subjectivity associated with static Electronic Commerce, among
are these done through the the Government Systems, which environment to trade eficiently. An cargo targeting methods. It has others, are promoting the Single
Kenya TradeNet System? will be working at the back end. improved business environment is also reduced human contact and Window System (SWS) Concept as
Registered traders/Clearing However, the business community expected to lead to a reduced cost enhanced transparency. the future tool for eficient trade
Agents can log into Kenya will only interact with Kenya of doing business and increased Additionally, the project presents facilitation.
TradeNet System portal to lodge TradeNet System. eficiency in trade. This will an opportunity for additional
application for permits/IDF and increase Kenyas competitiveness online services and information Apart from the head ofice in
generate an e-Slip. There are clear What type of training does and attract more Foreign Direct to the business community as well Nairobi, does KenTrade have
steps on how to generate e-slips KenTrade provide for the Investment (FDI), which will as an opportunity to partner with operational ofices in other towns?
through the TradeNet System, Kenya TradeNet System? create more jobs. youths in the provision of trade Yes, in addition to our Head Ofice
which then allows the trader to The Kenya TradeNet System facilitation services to the business is in Nairobi, we also have a
make payments over-the-bank trainings are conducted based How has the uptake of the community. facilitation ofice in Mombasa. The
counter or via a mobile platform on the stakeholders need and Kenya TradeNet System been The System will also drastically Nairobi ofice is at Embankment
in case of IDFs. modules that are available on since its oficial launch? reduce delays and transaction Plaza on Longonot Road, Upper
the Kenya TradeNet System. The We have recorded impressive costs, and hence improve the Hill. In Mombasa, we are located
Do traders still need to go training include: Traders Module uptake since the System Go doing business environment in on the of 3rd Floor Jubilee Arcade,
through brokers to enable (Unique Consignment Reference Live on October 30, 2013 and the Kenya that will lead to increased which is Moi Avenue.
trade related documents to be Number, Import Declaration subsequent oficial launch on May Foreign Direct Investment, In addition to the above, we also
processed? Form, Consignment Document, 02, 2014. The implementation leading to creation of new jobs have regional representatives who
The Kenya TradeNet System Master document, Payments) Port was done in a Phased approach and additional revenue to the are based in Malaba, Busia and
allows traders to lodge their Module; Declaration Submission and all the stakeholders have Government. The Kenya TradeNet Namanga border points.
own documents (Permits and Module; Partner Government been very supportive. We engaged System is one of the Kenyas Vision
IDFs). However, the trader may Agency Module. stakeholders throughout the 2030 Projects under the Economic What are the opening hours of
choose to nominate a Clearing planning and implementation pillar. We expect that it will help KenTrade Contact Centre and
and Forwarding Agent to lodge Do you have a stop-gap stages to ensure that they are part Kenya to improve on World Bank Customer Service ofices?
documents on their behalf. measure should the Kenya of the process. More importantly, Doing Business Ranking report. Our contact center and customer
However, traders are urged to TradeNet System crash? we continue to conduct services ofices are open from
use only Clearing and Forwarding KenTrade has ensured that sensitisation campaigns targeting How is the Kenya TradeNet 7.00 am to 7.00 pm, Monday to
Agents registered by Kenya adequate redundancies have stakeholders in both the public System funded? Friday and 8.00 am to 2.00 pm
Revenue Authority (KRA) as been provided to ensure uptime and private sectors. The Kenya TradeNet System
on Saturday and Sunday. We are
Customs Agents. for the System with increased is funded by the Government
also open over public holidays
transaction load. There are So far we now have over 5400 of Kenya with support from
multiple infrastructure equipment registered users of the System development partners, mainly from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm. You can
In which banks can one pay also contact us via email address;
for e-slips generated via for each service (Database, across Kenya. the Investment Climate Facility
Application, Web etc). Our for Africa (ICF) and International contactcentre@kentrade.go.ke
Kenya TradeNet System?
Currently, traders can make the highly skilled and experienced What beneits has the System Finance Corporation (IFC). The and customercare@kentrade.go.
payments for e-slips through technology implementation generated for government so far? project has also received support ke; phone numbers: 0204965000
National Bank, I&M Bank, partner (CrimsonLogic) was First and foremost, the Kenya from TradeMark East Africa. We or 070995000
also instrumental in adequately TradeNet System is part of the hope that other development

www.kentrade.go.ke