KEBS enhances trade efficiency under Mombasa Port, Northern Corridor Community Charter

Kenya Bureau of Standards has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter (MPNCCC), emphasizing its pivotal role in meeting its Charter obligations.

According to KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari, the Standards Body has continuously been working to align its operations with the MPNCCC’s objectives, enabling faster cargo clearance and improving service delivery to our stakeholders

“At KEBS, we are dedicated to ensuring the efficient and transparent facilitation of trade through rigorous quality standards. We have continuously worked to align our operations with the MPNCCC’s objectives, enabling faster cargo clearance and improving service delivery to our stakeholders,” she said during a media briefing at the Internal Container Depot in Nairobi.

Under the MPNCCC framework, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has made significant strides in enhancing the efficiency of goods clearance processes.

Turnaround time for sampled import consignments has been reduced from 20 days in 2018 to seven days in 2024, while consignments with Certificates of Conformity (CoC) from the country of origin are now cleared within one hour, down from two hours in 2018.

Locally inspected consignments and those with Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) exemptions also enjoy the same expedited clearance times.

The MPNCCC, established in June 2014, aims to modernize transport infrastructure, improve cargo throughput, reduce dwell time, and foster government-private sector collaboration to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor.

KEBS, as the standards body, plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with quality and safety regulations while facilitating seamless trade.

Through its PVoC program, KEBS conducts conformity assessments for regulated imported products at their countries of origin to ensure compliance with Kenyan standards. This program has been instrumental in preventing the entry of substandard and counterfeit goods while expediting the clearance of compliant products.

Dr. Muriira, representing KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari, highlighted the advancements achieved through the KEBS Integrated Management System (KIMS).

The system, seamlessly integrated with Kenya Trade Network Agency (KENTRADE) for cargo clearance and E-Citizen for payments, has streamlined import processes, enhanced transparency, and reduced delays.

“Through these advancements, KEBS continues to support Kenya’s trade and economic goals while upholding quality and safety standards,” said Dr. Muriira.

As part of its obligations under the MPNCCC, KEBS monitors key performance indicators, including testing turnaround times, PVoC compliance rates, and the time taken to clear various categories of consignments. These metrics are reported to the MPNCCC Secretariat to ensure collective accountability and drive progress towards transforming the port and corridor into a world-class trade hub.

The media briefing was part of a collaborative tour organized in partnership with stakeholders, including the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Railways, Shippers Council of Eastern Africa, and Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA). The tour showcased how various stakeholders are working together to achieve the Charter’s vision of a reliable, efficient, and globally competitive corridor.

KEBS’ efforts under the MPNCCC framework underscore its vital role in supporting Kenya’s trade and economic growth while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental protection.

The post KEBS enhances trade efficiency under Mombasa Port, Northern Corridor Community Charter first appeared on KBC.

The post KEBS enhances trade efficiency under Mombasa Port, Northern Corridor Community Charter appeared first on KBC.