URA lauded on smooth 24-hour operations

By Reuben Olita

The Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE) has lauded the Kenyan and Ugandan tax bodies for streamlining trade at the Malaba border.

KENTRADE chairman Joseph Kibwana, noted that the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) had expedited cargo clearance by observing the 24- hour regime.

“The joint partnership is a success. It has made it easy to control truck pile up at the customs point,” Kibwana said.

Kibwana, whose team also toured the URA yard in Malaba Uganda, said the implementation of information and communication technology solution was crucial in realising speedy cargo clearance.

He regretted that the fi rst phase of implementing the national electronic single window system (ESWS) might fail to meet the December deadline.

Kentrade is a state corporation established to implement the ESWS and end the corrupt, manual and unco-ordinated trade processes and procedures.

Kibwana said once the project is completed, it would spur international trade by reducing delays and lowering costs associated with goods at the Kenyan borders.

He said the delay to implement the system was due to logistical issues, which had since been addressed.

Kibwana noted that the fi rst phase of the project, funded by the Government and World Bank, would automate cargo documentation by integrating systems of all stakeholders.

Phase two will involve integration of the single window system with the national payment system to facilitate payment of import and export taxes.