Mombasa to go paperless by 2010

Aug 31, 2008

MOMBASA is on course to becoming fully-modernised by the end of the year and achieving e-port status by 2010, recent reports have said.

By Mikaili Sseppuya
and Agencies

MOMBASA is on course to becoming fully-modernised by the end of the year and achieving e-port status by 2010, recent reports have said.

“The port could be said to be fully-functional now, having started the 24 hours service a few days ago for all stakeholders,” James Mulewa, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) acting managing director, said.

He explained that the port had gone live with the second phase of the IT-based Kilindini Waterfront System (KWATOS).

The system automates the port functions, enabling users to enter data from their offices and port authorities to follow cargo.

However, some users who are not computer-savvy have found the system difficult to implement, leading to problems in its first days.

Mulewa said their target was to become an e-port by 2010 after rolling over Community Bases System by the middle of 2009. He said KWATOS had stabilised and was accessible to many users.

He said the new system had set the stage for seamless flow of consignments, replacement of manual filing processes that had been in use since the port’s inception more than 30 years ago.

“The revised documentation and cargo clearance procedures are to apply at the port of Mombasa and inland container depots in Nairobi and Kisumu,” Mulewa said.

He added that with the electronic clearing system, port users could immediately lodge shipping orders with the customs department for faster verification and release of cargo.

President Mwai Kibaki recently directed that the port operates 24 hours per day to clear congestion.
and have a seamless transit system into the interior.

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