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Kenya launches pre-arrival cargo clearance system at Mombasa port

Xinhua, October 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said it has rolled out a Pre-arrival Cargo Clearance System aimed at speeding up the movement of cargo from the port of Mombasa to intended destinations.

KRA officials said Wednesday the system would ensure timely delivery of raw materials and other goods including essential supplies to the market and spare storage charges for importers.

KRA commissioner John Njiraini described the move as a very important step in the authority's quest to make Mombasa port more "attractive" and reduce the cost of doing business for investors.

"We want to take the process a couple of steps back so that the lodging of documents and the payment of duties and other levies are paid before cargo arrives," Njiraini said during a meeting with executives from the shipping industry in Mombasa.

"By the time the cargo arrives at the port, the importer is in a position to take charge and remove the cargo from the port and avoid paying demurrage charges," he added.

The move by KRA is expected to allow residents in Kenya and the East African region to eventually enjoy lower costs of living, as timely delivery of raw materials enables firms to lower their costs of production and pass the benefits to the consumers.

Njiraini said KRA was fully committed to meeting the target that 70 percent of the cargo imported through the port of Mombasa will be cleared under the Pre-arrival Cargo Clearance System by 2017. Endit