FEAFFA hosted the newly elected KIFWA leadership at their offices in Nairobi Kenya. The meeting aimed at introducing the new leaders to the self-regulation project that will see customs agents and freight forwarders in Kenya develop a national bill on professionalization of the industry.
KIFWA National Chairman, Mr. Roy Mwanthi voiced his support for the undertaking led by Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA). “This is a great initiative that has come at the right time. For a long time, the Logistics Industry in Kenya has not had a law to govern our operations.” said Mr. Mwanthi. “We are ready to support all the efforts geared towards enacting the law in Kenya. As a matter of fact, KIFWA leadership is already engaging relevant stakeholders to be part of the entire process of establishing the Kenya Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders Management law in Kenya. “he Added.
Speaking during the meeting, FEAFFA Program Manager Mr. Elias Baluku underscored the need for cooperation between the government and the KIFWA for the success of this project. He thanked the KIFWA team for taking time off to deliberate on this noble idea.
In 2017, FEAFFA, with support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) developed a regional model bill known as The Model Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders Management Bill 2017. This model bill was to act as a template aimed at guiding the EAC countries in developing national customs agents and freight forwarders bills in their respective countries. The bill covers aspects considered critical by a spectrum of industry stakeholders in ensuring a genuinely professional customs agents and freight forwarders sector like other professions. Key among them include detailed establishment of a Regulatory Board, technical qualification and continuous professional development, Certification and Registration, Obligations and conduct of registered Customs Agents and Freight forwarders, the code of conduct, offences and penalties, disciplinary proceedings, appeals, mutual recognition agreements and financial provisions.
Rwanda has already made tremendous steps in domesticating the bill. A draft bill has been prepared and is ready for formal presentation to Rwandan Parliament. Kenya is at the inception stage while the rest of the EAC countries are laying foundation needed before kick starting the process.
Other key KIFWA leaders present were Mr. Wycliffe Wanda (Executive Director Nairobi), Christine Mukangi (National Treasurer) and Fredrick Aloo (Secretary General Nairobi). KIFWA represents over 1000 clearing firms in Kenya.
