KIFWA’s New Leadership Prioritizes Customs Bill for Trade Efficiency
The newly elected officials of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) have made the swift implementation of the Kenya Customs and Freight Forwarding Management Bill a top priority. The proposed legislation seeks to streamline cargo clearance operations, curb illicit trade, and enhance customs revenue collection for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Leading this transformative agenda is Fredrick Aloo, who was unanimously elected as the KIFWA National Chairman, succeeding Roy Mwathi. Aloo and his team have committed to eliminating cargo delays, optimizing cargo flow, boosting KRA’s revenue collection, and reducing the overall cost of doing business in Kenya.
The other elected officials include Dennis Master as the National Vice Chairman. Betty Kamau serves as the National Treasurer, while Musa Mbira holds the position of National Secretary on the KIFWA Board of Directors.
The National Branch Chairmen representing KIFWA Nairobi and Mombasa are Robinson Kilonzo and Rajab Hamis. Denis Muyodi and Morris Wambua serve as National Board Members.
As National Chairman, Fredrick Aloo will represent KIFWA on the regional board of the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA), the regional apex body for clearing and forwarding agents in East Africa, which advocates for the interests of over 2,500 firms across the region.
As a key player in cargo clearance, KIFWA represents over 1200 members who facilitate the movement of goods across the country. Since no cargo leaves Kenya’s commercial ports without the involvement of Clearing Agents, their role is integral to trade facilitation and economic growth.
Highlighting the importance of Clearing Agents in revenue collection, Oloo referenced the 2023/2024 KRA revenue report, which credited the Department of Border Control with collecting KSh 791 billion. This achievement, attributed to strong collaboration with Clearing Agents, resulted in a 94.6% performance rate in Customs Revenue, marking a 4.9% growth from the previous financial year.
“Were it not for the support from our members, these achievements would not have been possible. If we have unsung heroes in revenue collection, they are the Customs Clearing Agents,” Oloo stated.
Beyond revenue generation, KIFWA is pushing for greater representation in key decision-making bodies. The association is urging Parliament to expedite the passage of the Kenya Customs and Freight Forwarding Management Bill, which will provide a structured framework for industry operations and regulatory compliance.
Oloo also highlighted gender disparity in the sector, revealing that women lead fewer than 15% of licensed clearing companies. “We want to persuade the government, through the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control, to ensure that more youth and women are given opportunities as Customs Agents so they can earn a living,” he said.
In addition, the new leadership plans to advocate for the introduction of minimum wages for industry workers and address growing concerns over foreign shipping lines encroaching on local job opportunities. Oloo also announced plans to establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) to help members achieve financial stability.
Outgoing Chairman Roy Mwathi urged the new leadership to focus on improving cargo clearance efficiency, ensuring the enactment of the proposed bill, and fostering harmony among industry stakeholders.
The Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) has intensified its advocacy for the self-regulation of customs agents and freight forwarders in East Africa. For instance, during the 2023 Global Logistics Convention in Nairobi, industry stakeholders emphasized the need for legal recognition of the profession to enhance trade facilitation, professionalism, and accountability.
A Model Bill, developed in 2017 with support from EAC institutions and international partners, aims to address regulatory gaps. While most EAC countries, except DR Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia, have drafted related bills, progress has been slow due to financial constraints.
The EAC Sectoral Council and Kenya’s high-level forum on Mombasa Port competitiveness have urged governments to fast-track the bills. Self-regulation would supplement existing laws like the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, which mainly governs customs but does not sufficiently address professionalism and compliance in the industry.
FEAFFA leaders believe enacting these laws will improve trade efficiency, protect stakeholders, and set a precedent for other African regions.
This article was published by the editorial team for the Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
