Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced measures to support the government initiatives aimed at managing the spread of COVID-19 at ports of entry and transit corridors countrywide.
The authority, which is the lead agency at the land borders, has put in place a number of measures to ensure safety and trade facilitation. All cargo trucks crossing the international land border points shall have a maximum of three crew, the Taxman said in a press statement, and their screening at the border points by Port Health Officials shall be mandatory.
This was reinforced by the Ministry of Health Sunday daily briefing that all the truck drivers will be tested at all border entry points.
The cargo trucks shall be fumigated at the international Border Crossing and there shall be designated hotels and or lodges for the cargo crew, the statement read in part.
Sanitizers, disinfectants and clean running water shall be available to enhance hygiene and mitigate against the risks of infection at all the necessary points and border points shall operate in line with National Government directives, the Taxman announced.
KRA has also taken measures to ensure that there are adequate staff numbers at the border points and observes the social distancing guidelines.
“KRA Staff are well trained on hygiene protocols and shall put on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times when offering services to importers, exporters and stakeholders,” the statement signed by the Commissioner in charge of Customs and Border Control said.
KRA will also enhance the use of technology to ensure uninterrupted services to importers, exporters and stakeholders. This include the use of Simba System, Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) and Single Window platforms, which is operated and managed by KenTrade.
“Communication through email is encouraged to minimize physical contact and ensure faster resolution of issues,” KRA said, adding that all goods declared under the Single Customs Territory (SCT) framework shall be monitored via the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS).
Pre-Arrival Clearance (PAC) is encouraged for cargo coming through Kenya’s borders to mitigate against delays and all Customs related inquiries and applications will be processed online, KRA announced.
KRA has collaborated with other government agencies to facilitate safe movement of cargo at all the country’s ports of entry. These agencies include Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise Development; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; National Police Service; Directorate of Immigration and Citizen Services.
Mombasa port surpassed 1.4 million Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in last year. About 30 percent of this is transit cargo, with Uganda, taking a lion share of about 70. Other main transit market includes South Sudan, Rwanda and DRC.
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