-Polish Government shows interest in facilitating companies from Poland to invest in Kenya;
– Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Boards announce measures to ensure seamless port operations;
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS;
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is set to handle more business for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the recent removal of visa restrictions for the newest member of the East African Community (EAC).
The DRC envoy to Kenya, Ambassador Nyakeru John paid a courtesy call to the KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto and confirmed that his Country was setting up a consulate in Mombasa to enhance DRC’s integration within the EAC and increase trade between the two Countries.
To cater for the needs of this key emerging market, KPA has invested in the Naivasha Inland Container Depot to ensure faster movement of DRC cargo.
KPA is also progressing plans to set up a liaison office in Goma to bring port services closer to the transit customers.
Meanwhile, Polish Government has shown interest in facilitating companies from Poland to invest in Kenya in various sectors especially those in the Blue Economy.
As part of a strategic approach to increase trade relations with Kenya, the Polish Ambassador to Kenya His Excellence Miroslaw Gojdz engaged the Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. William Ruto at the KPA headquarters in Mombasa.
Poland is among the top producers of grains in the World and has advanced technology and specialized skills in fish processing and grain handling.
With good infrastructure and intermodal connectivity, the Port of Mombasa remains the gateway to East and Central Africa serving not only the local market but also the region, observed Capt. Ruto.
He further noted that KPA was working closely with other Governments agencies for the development of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at Dongo Kundu area and that plans are at advanced stages to award tender for construction of the first multipurpose berth to serve the SEZs.
The MD also made a case for the Port of Mombasa saying the facility is highly connected with all the major shipping lines offering services to destinations including Africa, Europe and Asia.
And, The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Boards announced several measures aimed at ensuring seamless port operations to boost revenue collection and optimize port performance.
Addressing the media at the KPA headquarters after holding a joint meeting, the KPA Board of Directors Chairman Hon. Benjamin Dalu Tayari and the KRA Board of Directors Chairman Mr. Anthony Ng’ang’a Mwaura announced resolutions which are in line with the directive by H.E President Dr. William Ruto during a recent stakeholders meeting held at the Port of Mombasa.
The joint meeting observed that bureaucracy concerns about bunkering had been resolved. It equally directed the two corporations to undertake regular surveillance to ensure that this initiative is not abused.
Secondly, the two boards resolved that with immediate effect, trans-shipment cargo will not be verified. This is aimed at attracting more trans-shipment cargo business.
Thirdly, it was decided that verification of export cargo shall be undertaken outside the port with immediate effect.
Further, it was announced that there are plans for acquisition of modern scanning equipment through public private initiatives. A meeting is scheduled for Monday next week to discuss way forward.
On the need for a modern ICT system for KRA and KPA, it was announced that there are plans for procurement, installation and commissioning of modern ICT systems which should meet the objectives of the two corporations.
In addition to this the system should be scalable and able to be integrated with other relevant ICT systems.
The meeting observed the need for both institutions to revamp their Communication Departments with immediate effect to be able to disseminate the correct information to the public.
On pre-arrival clearance, it was directed that both corporations immediately implement a framework to lodge manifests at the Port of loading to facilitate pre-arrival clearance of cargo and advance receipt of import duty.
For Container Freight Stations, there are plans to develop a regulatory framework for licensing and performance evaluation within the next three weeks.
In regard to over-stayed cargo, it was resolved that such cargo that is still viable should be auctioned within the timelines provided in the law. Overstayed transit cargo with missing documents shall be reshipped to country of origin.
A working Committee shall be appointed by the two CEOs within the next two weeks to come up with the Framework for destruction of overstayed condemned cargo that is due for destruction, according to the joint communique.
In addition, it was directed that a joint team shall be put together in the next two weeks to come up with training needs and plan for collaborative training of the Board, management and lower cadre staff of the two organizations.
On tax disputes, the two CEOs shall immediately explore settlement of existing and future disputes out of court as directed by His Excellency the President Dr.William Ruto by activating the coming on board of the mediator appointed by the Head of Public Service.
Besides these measures the two Boards reiterated the commitment to continue having 24 hours operations at the Port with regular consultations and meetings between the two CEOs.
It was also resolved that the two Boards will be meeting quarterly and that the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will be invited to future meetings.
The directors also toured some of the key port facilities.
ENDS;
