Kenya launches e-portal for Port Health Services

Kenya on Thursday launched an e-portal for Port Health Services that will boost surveillance against cross border transmission of diseases.

Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopha Mailu told a media briefing in Nairobi that the digital platform will manage services offered to traders at Kenya's points of entry.

"The management information system is part of the government's policy of promoting automation of services for greater efficiency," Mailu said.

"The online system will provide a platform for faster electronic processing of applications for export and import health certificates," he added.

Mailu said that the e-portal will greatly contribute towards creation of an enabling environment for business transactions and thus enhance Kenya's commercial profile.

"Importers and exporters will now be able to acquire health certificates in 12 hours as compared to four days under the manual system," he added.

The digital platform will enable Kenya to provide services at the port of entry in line with international health regulations and therefore contribute towards attainment of Global Health Security Agenda.

The portal will also provide a forum for port health officers to share information on the movement of goods thoughout the country.

Mailu noted that port health services play a very important role in trade facilitation through the inspection of goods of public health importance.

"However some of the goods handled are perishable in nature and require to be processed within the shortest time possible," he said.

The portal was funded by TradeMark East Africa. The platform will be rolled out on a pilot basis to the main airport of Nairobi and Mombasa and thereafter rolled out to all border points by the end of the year. Endit