A notable output resulting from the Council’s advocacy agenda is the recent establishment of TRADENET, an agency that will be charged with the responsibility of implementing the National Single Window System (NSWS), by the Government of Kenya. KSC has guaranteed representation on the Board of TRADENET. (Gazette Supplement No. 6 of 28th January 2011 can be found on www.kenyashipppers.org/informationcenter.

The single window system aims to create an electronic platform for lodging trade-related documents and promises to reduce cargo dwell time at the port (to 3 days) and airport (to 0.5 days). It also anticipates to enhance the exchange of information between trade and government.  KSC, in the quest to have the single window system implemented engaged the parent ministries of Transport and Finance on the challenges arising from delays and the solution that this system will provide.

The Minister of Transport, Hon. Amos Kimunya, underscored the need for the private sector to regulate itself to ensure professionalism in the industry as it is the main problem affecting trade in Kenya. This includes clearing agents and cargo owners. He further added that cargo owners need to have a standard contract document to engage their service providers. He cited these as important to precede and complement the NSWS.