NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has conducted a capacity-building workshop for officers stationed at One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) to strengthen their use of the National Electronic Single Window System (NESWS), a digital trade facilitation platform.
The onboarding exercise aims to enhance officers’ understanding of the system and improve coordination in cross-border trade operations.
According to KFS, the NESWS is designed to streamline regulatory processes, simplify procedures, and promote transparency by enabling coordinated service delivery among border agencies.
Strengthening Border Operations
Regional Forest Conservator for the Mau Region, Martin Wandabwa, officially welcomed participants and underscored the importance of the training.
He said the workshop comes at an opportune time and will help simplify and harmonise revenue collection at border points.
“The system will help synchronize border operations, improve service delivery, and enhance effective management of KFS processes at the borders,” Wandabwa said.
He added that adopting the digital platform will boost national competitiveness and position Kenya more favourably in the global trade environment.
Trade Facilitation Framework
The National Electronic Single Window System is managed by the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) under the legal framework of the Kenya Trade Network Agency Act, 2011. The platform allows traders to submit regulatory documents electronically through a single portal, reducing duplication and clearance times.
Kenya’s OSBP model operates under regional trade facilitation agreements within the East African Community (EAC), which aim to improve efficiency by integrating border procedures between neighbouring states.
By integrating KFS processes into the NESWS, the agency seeks to ensure that forest product permits, inspections, and related compliance procedures align with broader customs and trade systems.
Multi-Agency Participation
The workshop was attended by KFS Head of ICT Stephen Cheboi, OSBP Coordinator Brenice Wanyonyi, Head of Economics Charles Makworo, and Head of Sawmilling Kiuma Loice.
A technical team from KenTrade facilitated the training and provided guidance on the system’s functionality and practical application.
The onboarding signals KFS’s shift toward digitised border management as Kenya continues implementing reforms aimed at reducing trade costs, curbing revenue leakages, and enhancing regulatory oversight.
As cross-border trade volumes grow, digital integration among border agencies remains central to improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability in trade operations.
