NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) is taking bold steps to fully automate trade-related approvals by expanding the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System.
With plans to onboard four more government agencies, KenTrade is poised to streamline import-export processes, reduce delays, and supercharge trade efficiency in Kenya and the region.
KenTrade’s CEO, David Ngarama, revealed that the Kenya Wildlife Service, Scrap Metal Council, NACADA, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) are next in line to join the platform.
This expansion will bring the total number of onboarded agencies and key entities to 45, further solidifying the system’s role as a central hub for trade-related approvals.
“All government agencies will be onboard within the next year,” Ngarama shared. The Single Window System simplifies trade by allowing traders and transporters to submit standardized documents and data through a single entry point for air, rail, road, and maritime transport.
This consolidation enhances efficiency and reduces redundancies, covering everything from import-export permits to licensing and regulatory approvals.
Key stakeholders already benefiting from the system include 38 insurance companies, 36 banks, over 1,500 clearing agents, and 46 shipping agents and companies.
Major players such as the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, and Kenya Bureau of Standards are also part of the platform.
Since its rollout a decade ago, the Single Window System has transformed trade facilitation in Kenya. Automation levels have skyrocketed from a mere 14pc to an impressive 94pc, slashing cargo clearance times from 12 days in 2014 to just two days today.
This efficiency has saved the supply chain an estimated KSh2 billion annually while boosting revenue yields by over KSh3.5 billion.
Payments are now fully automated, which has enhanced approvals and ensured seamless goods movement through the Port of Mombasa and other entry points.
These advancements demonstrate the system’s critical role in fostering a trade-friendly environment while minimizing logistical hurdles.
In addition to expanding its platform, KenTrade is developing an online trade logistics directory. This directory aims to provide a comprehensive listing of players in the logistics sector, complete with service details, pricing, and contact information.
The initiative seeks to bridge existing gaps in trade logistics, ensuring traders have all the resources they need at their fingertips.
KenTrade’s continued efforts to digitize trade processes highlight its commitment to creating a seamless and efficient trade ecosystem. With new agencies joining and innovative tools on the horizon, Kenya’s position as a regional trade hub is set to strengthen further.
