July- Sep 2014 Newsletter

July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
CEO’s Message
W
elcome to our TradeNet News for Quarter 1 for the 2014 –
2015 fiscal year, which is aimed at enhancing dialogue with our
valued stakeholders in the trade logistics industry. It is now one
year since the official Go – Live of the Kenya TradeNet System
in October 2013. I must emphasize that it’s been a challenging
and rewarding long journey but we can now start seeing the
light at the end of the tunnel. I wish to commend the KenTrade
team for their positive energy, drive and commitment in the
implementation of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 modules.
We have been working closely with our Partner Government
Agencies (PGAs) notably Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate
Services (KEPHIS) and Kenya Ports Authority among others in
the implementation of the Kenya TradeNet System. We are happy to inform you that Importer and Clearing Agents
are now processing the Import Declaration Forms (IDF) Permit and other documents lodged by Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) through the Kenya TradeNet System.
Two months ago it became a requirement that all Importers applying for IDFs through Kenya TradeNet System are
also required to apply for KEBS consignment approval through the same System. Additionally, KEPHIS currently
piloting a new Import System which will be automatically integrated with Kenya TradeNet System meaning that
data captured through the KEPHIS System will be seamlessly shared with PGAs through the Kenya TradeNet System.
Our development partners; Investment Climate Facility for Africa( ICF) International Finance Corporation and TradeMark East Africa have continued to support the System implementation and for this reason we have achieved a lot.
In this regard, we have been receiving positive feedback from the various stakeholders and it is clear to me that
through our concerted efforts, there is a genuine desire to improve the efficiencies in trade logistics so that our nation can improve on the Doing Business Index and become more globally competitive. We will endeavor to engage
our stakeholders through several sensitization workshops and trainings as we have always done.
This newsletter is a vital tool in updating our stakeholders and getting feedback on the role that we as KenTrade play
in repositioning Kenya in the global trade. I wish to thank all our stakeholders who have made us reach this far with
their invaluable support. The real work has just began so let’s keep up the same momentum.
Alex Kabuga
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
Benchmarking in Japan & Malaysia Successful
KenTrade CEO Mr. Alex Kabuga and the President and CEO of NACCS,
Mr. Toshiko Miyasaka during the visit to NACCS Center (Single Window Operator in Japan)
A
A delegation from KenTrade visited Japan and Malaysia in July to study and benchmark on the implemen-
tation of Kenya TradeNet System. The delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Alex Kabuga comprised of General
Manager Operations Amos Wangora , Corporation Secretary and Head of Legal Affairs Beatrice Kosgei, Manager
Strategy and Planning David Ngarama and Assistant Manager Data Centre Silas Oswe.
The team was keen to tap on the knowledge and experience of countries that have successfully integrated the Single Window System with the Payment Gateway. The team studied the Japanese experience in automation of payment systems, in particular the payments related to the import, export and transit requirements and to appreciate
how this ties up with the National Payment System.
While in Malaysia the delegation visited Single Window Operator in Malaysia DagangNet, State Agency in charge
of ICT industry, the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), the Central Payment and Settlement Gateway
known as Censof Electronic Payment Gateway (CPay) and Tacit Mobility Platform & Portal, the award-winning Singapore-based mobile solutions company whose mobility platform Mobeix™ enables banks and enterprises to rapidly
build secure, scalable and innovative mobile applications. The delegation also familiarized with the different Business Models operating in Malaysia and Japan which are to be incorporated into KenTrade Business Model.
One of key components of the Kenya TradeNet System is electronic Payments for Government Services. Efforts to
integrate the Kenya TradeNet System integration with KRA iTax Gateway has been progressing well.
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
Stakeholders Engagements
The Port of Mombasa community using Kenya TradeNet System is upbeat about the on-going stakeholders’ involvement in the project implementation by KenTrade. Representatives of key stakeholder organisations in Mombasa
have said that the sustained engagement of Kenya TradeNet System users was key to overcoming challenges experienced in previous Port based projects.
CEO of KenTrade Mr Alex Kabuga who
opened the stakeholder forum that was
held in Mombasa in September 2014,
noted that the official launch of the Kenya TradeNet System by President Uhuru Kenyatta in May 2014, opened a new
chapter in the trade logistics industry and
KenTrade would ensure that Kenyans expectations are met by intensifying stakeholders’ involvement in the System implementation. “We cannot simplify trade
processes for Kenya’s competiveness by
ignoring the users of the System.
Dennis Ombok (KIFWA), KenTrade CEO Alex Kabuga and
Juma Tellah (KSAA) during Mombasa stakeholders workshop
We have to continuously consult and engage to improve on the quality of our service delivery,” Mr Kabuga said.
Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Shipping Agents Association (KSAA) Mr Juma Tellah and Executive Officer of Kenya
International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) Mombasa , Mr. Denis Ombok, noted that implementation of Kenya TradeNet system was so far the most
consultative port based project. “Such consultative
forums enables us to receive updates on the Kenya
TradeNet System, engage directly with System implementors and also get recognition for completing the trainings” Mr. Ombok said.
Addressing the participants at the same forum,
CEO KSAA Juma Tellah said the implementation of
the Kenya TradeNet System project was the most
consultative process in the Port history. “As Shipping agents we have been involved in every phase of the System implementation, from the development of the System Specification Requirement and piloting to Service Level Agreement of Kenya TradeNet System” he said.
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
KenTrade Signs Port Community Charter
K
enTrade was among the 25 organizations that signed the Port Community Charter which was launched by
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s at a ceremony held at Kenya Ports Authority in June 2014. KenTrade CEO Mr. Alex Kabuga signed the Charter whose objective is to translate the Port of Mombasa into a world class sea port of choice.
The Charter seeks to address issues of alignment among port community members in discharging their mandate in
trade facilitation, insufficient capacity and an ineffective operational model at both the port terminal and hinterland
transport channels. It further sets out, in clear detail initiatives that the signatories expect to play in unlocking the
trade potential of the whole region.
Speaking during the function, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the Mombasa Port Community Charter commits parties both in the public and private sector to measures that will increase the efficiency of the port and the Northern
Corridor.
The President said the Charter is also expected to play a substantial part in unlocking the trade potential of the East
African region.” The Charter commits to the reduction of turnaround times in the northern corridor; the integration
of all port community members’ systems into the Kenya TradeNet System; and the achievement of 70% cargo output routed through the green channel by 2016.” The President said.
The President said adequate measures have been put in place to ensure success of the Charter. He also cited the
provision for monitoring and evaluation framework with a performance dashboard which would ease analysis of the
program as well as monitor policies and operational decisions and interventions for effective delivery.
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
Africa Development Bank lauds KenTrade
T
he African Development Bank in his remarks urged AfDB to sup- and to explore how to develop a strategy
(AfDB) Regional Director Mr. Gabriel port other EAC countries to adopt that defines a framework towards having
Negatu has lauded KenTrade in its the Single Window System given a Regional Single Window” he said
efforts to improve trade facilitation its involvement and large pres- Mr Kabuga was accompanied by General
and improve competitiveness in ence in the East African region. Manager Operations Amos Wangora, ICT
“As a gate way to East Africa, KenEast Africa.
Manager Eugene Waluvengo, Asst. Manya is critical player in the Northern
Mr. Negatu spoke at the launch of Corridor trade, and its operational ager Business Process Re-engineering ErEast Africa Resource Center (EARC) efficiency level was bound to im- ick Lukoye and Head of Corporate ComKnowledge Sharing Series (EKSS) pact on the neighbouring coun- munica- tions Ann Odero. AfDB Chief
at AfDB East Africa Regional Offic- tries hence the importance of Infrastructure Economist EARC, Mr. Shem
es Nairobi, in which KenTrade was working towards a Regional Sin- Simuyemba noted that the two instituinvited to share experience on im- gle Window System” Mr. Kabuga tions should consider working together to develop a framework for regional
plementation of the Kenya TradeN- noted.
integration. “There’s a need to promote
et System. “We value KenTrade as a
potential partner whose implemen- AfDB Chief Infrastructure Econo- dialogue among the Regional States and
tation of the Kenya TradeNet Sys- mist EARC, Mr. Shem Simuyemba to explore how to develop a strategy that
tem fits in the AfBD’s development noted that the two institutions defines a framework towards having a
strategy of regional integration should consider working togeth- Regional Single Window” he said The
and reduced delays in trade border er to develop a framework for re- Kenya TradeNet Project is funded by the
Government of Kenya (GoK) with supcrossing in the East Africa Commu- gional integration.
nity (EAC)” Mr. Negatu said.KenTrade “There’s a need to promote dia- port from the Investment Climate Facility
(ICF) and the International Finance CorChief Executive Officer Alex Kabuga logue among the Regional States po- ration (IFC) and Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA).
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
KenTrade Pension Fund BoT elected
K
enTrade Staff Pension Fund has a reconstituted
Board of Trustees following the elections during the Annual General Meeting held in September 2014. The new
elected Trustees officials are Manager Strategy and Planning David Ngarama, Manager Trade Facilitation Daniel
Kiange , Business Analyst Mwanaulu Issa and Customer
Service Officer Vincent Bwire. Nominated Trustees Simon
Kiplangat (General Manager Support Services), Amos
Wangora(General Manager Operations),Beatrice Kosgei (Corporation Secretary and Head of Legal Affairs) and Hellen Wasike (Manager Human Resource and Administration). The KenTrade Pension Fund is managed by Liberty Pensions Services Ltd as Scheme Administrators, ICEA Lion ( K) Ltd as Funds Managers and KCB Custody Services Ltd.
KenTrade Pension Fund was established to facilitate and organize the investment of employees’ retirement funds
contributed by the employer and employees. The pension fund is a common asset pool meant to generate stable
growth over the long term, and provide pensions for employees when they reach the end of their working years
and commence retirement. CEO Mr. Alex Kabuga who is the Scheme sponsor said that the membership had grown
tremendously and assured members that the funds were very secure. “During period under review the scheme has
grown and now has 50 members. The sponsor has remitted contribution to the Scheme as required by law and I
assure you of our commitment to safeguard and enhance the welfare all staff members” he said.
Our Rising Star
O
ur Customer Services and Contact Centre Manager Rose Ronoh emerged a fi-
nalist in the Rising Star Awards Kenya competition which celebrates emerging talents and industry leaders below the age of 40.
The news was warmly received by in the KenTrade family which hosted a party in
her honour. “We are proud of our colleague for the achievement and wish her every success,” CEO Mr. Alex Kabuga said in his congratulatory message. KenTrade was
among the sponsors of the event that was being held in Kenya for the first time to
celebrate emerging talents and industry leaders below 40 years. The winners were awarded certificates, a citation
and trophies. The event has previously been held in South Africa where the talent competition was founded. The
inaugural awards identify and celebrate emerging young talents in Africa who are not only exceptional individuals
but inspirational and passionate achievers. Rose was among the finalists in the Service: Public and Private” category
chosen after a rigorous process by a team of local and foreign judges.
KenTrade General Manager Operations Mr. Amos Wangora led a team that included Human Resources and Administration Manager Hellen Wasike, Assistant Manager Change Management Furaha Wanjiru and Head of Corporate
Communications Ann Odero to witness the momentous occasion at Hilton Hotel Nairobi. Congratulations to Rose
for being a “Rising Star”.
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
Staff Engagements-Pictorials
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
KenTrade staff during the Public Complaints handling training
at KenTrade offices. The training was facilitated by Mr Bob Mu- KenTrde CEO Alex Kabuga (seated) with Ethnoko Senior Risk & Compliance Officer at the Commission on ics and Anti Corruption facilitators during
Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman)
management training at Utalii College
KenTrade ISO Implementation team during a training at the Kenya
School of Monetary Studies in September 2014
As part of teambuilding activity the Contact Centre team participated in annual 7 Kilometer race organized by Kenya
Wildlife Service at Hell’s Gate Park, Naivasha in July 2014. KenTrade finished
top 5 in the corporate category and later
held a departmental retreat.
The Kenya TradeNet system
Proudly supported by
KenTrade Management and Enterprise Risk Management Consultant
Gilbert Mwalili (standing 3rd Right) during a Management retreat held
at a Naivasha Hotel in September 2014.
KenTrade General Manager Support Services and Executive Assistant Hellen Guya joins students of Ndabibi Primary School in Naivasha during a Tree Planting Exercise in Naivasha. Looking on is
Trade Facilitation Manager Daniel Kiange and Finance Manager
Joseph Kimanga. A total of 500 trees were planted
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
Stakeholder Engagements-Pictorials
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade Officers pose
with KenTrade staff during an induction on Kenya TradeNet
System in September 2014. The officers were recently deployed to
various missions worldwide to promote and attract investment in
Kenya.
CEO Alex Kabuga (2nd right), Deputy
Director General Ethiopian Revenue and
Customs Authority, Kaydaki Gezahegn (L)
Wycliffe Wanda (R) of KIFWA and Mupelwa Sichilma of International Finance
Corporation during the Ethiopian delegation visit to Kenya to familiarize with
implementation of the Kenya TradeNet
System . Standing at the centre is Akinyi
Gikonyo, a consultant with IFC on Trade
Facilitation.
Partner Government Agency staff and stakeholders of the Kenya
TradeNet System during End User Training at KenTrade offices in
July 2014.
Director Public Health, Masabi Wekesa and
TMEA Country Director Dr. Chris Kiptoo,
exchange MOU documents during a signing
ceremony. TMEA will fund the automation
and interfacing of Kenya Port Health Services
with Kenya TradeNet System. Looking on (L)
is Kepha Ombacho, Director Public Health,
Kisumu business community pose for a group photo with KenTrade officials, during a sensitization workshop held in Kisumu in Musimi Francis, Secretary of Administration- Ministry of Health and Amos Wangora,
August 2014.
General Manager Operations-KenTrade
KenTrade team with Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
(EACC) senior officials during a sensitization on Kenya TradeNet
System at their Integrity Center offices, Nairobi.
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
PUBLIC NOTICE
Tel: 020 6948000/605490
Mobile: 0722202137/8, 0734600471/2
P.O. Box: 54974-00200, Nairobi
E-mail: info@kebs.org
Website: www.kebs.org
Tel: 020 4965000
Mobile:0709950000 or 0730 150 000
contactcentre@kentrade.go.ke
P.O. Box 36943 - 00200,Nairobi
Website: www.kentrade.go.ke
NOTICE TO ALL IMPORTERS, CLEARING AGENTS
AND GENERAL PUBLIC ON CLEARANCE OF IMPORTS
THROUGH THE SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is a State Corporation established under the Standards Act, CAP
496 that is mandated to among other things carry out inspection of imported products in order to
ensure that only quality goods enter the country.
The Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE) is a State Corporation under the National Treasury
mandated to among other things, implement, operationalise and manage the Kenya National Electronic
Single Window System as well as other trade facilitation initiatives. The Single Window System (also
dubbed as the KenyaTradeNet System) is an electronic platform which integrates electronic systems
international trade transactions with an aim of simplifying clearance processes of cargo passing through
Kenyan borders.
Following the launch of the Single Window System on May 2, 2014, KEBS and KENTRADE would like to
inform all importers and their agents as follows:
1. Effective August 1, 2014, all importers applying for IDFs through the Single Window System (Kenya
. the
TradeNet) shall be required at the same time to apply for KEBS consignment approval through
same System.
2. Hard copies of clearance documents (customs declaration etc.) presented at the entry points for goods
whose IDFs were processed through the Kenya TradeNet system must include a copy of the KEBS
consignment document from the Kenya TradeNet System.
Issued jointly by:Managing Director - Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
AND
Chief Executive Officer - Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE)
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
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July - Sept 2014 Issue
TradeNet News
Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenya’s Competitiveness
Welcome to our Contact Centre!
W
e are located on the ground floor of our head office at Embankment Plaza in Upper Hill, Nairobi and are avail-
able for your call, email or walk in for official queries and support on our service delivery.
Through our motto “Putting Customers First” and our state of the art operation center that is supported by our development partner, the Investment Climate Facility (ICF), we strive to make our customer experience remarkable and
rewarding.
Our staffs consist of Contact Centre Agents, Customer Service Officers, an Assistant Manager and Manager all working under the Operation Division which headed by the General Manager, Operations. The staff are highly skilled and
have previous experience of working in different Contacts Center around the country.
You can access our services at Customer Care and Contact Centre from anywhere through email or on mobile and
landline calls via 020-496500 0709950000 0730150000 contactcentre@kentrade.go.ke
www.facebook.com/KenTradeG2B
@Kentrade_G2B
Development Partners
TradeNet News is a quarterly newsletter circulated to stakeholders KenTrade stakeholders.
Contributions and feedback regarding this newsletter is welcome. Email; corporate@kentrade.go.ke. Website; www.
kentrade.go.ke.
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