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Kenya

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Introducing risk-based pre-arrival processing

Strengthening Kenya’s position as East Africa’s key trade hub

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Kenya is already a key regional trade hub in East Africa, acting as a gateway for imports and exports to neighbouring landlocked countries.  Yet without an effective risk-based pre-arrival process, traders face lengthy, burdensome and unpredictable formalities at borders. A formal, structured and systematic approach to risk management by border agencies can change this.

What we are doing

We are working with the government and the private sector to introduce fully-automated, paperless processing which allow traders to supply information on goods and for customs officials to prioritise before shipments arrive at borders. It will significantly reduce the number of physical inspections for low-risk shipments, speeding up clearance and release of goods and creating a better business environment.

  • Our project involves:assessing the supply chain in Kenya and analysing the import process
  • identifying best practice for pre-arrival and related processes
  • developing a target model for pre-arrival processing
  • supporting the legal and regulatory reforms required to implement the project
  • developing a risk process map and a detailed process description for pre-arrival processing
  • developing a training and HR development plan
  • providing training for customs and other government officials, as well as private sector stakeholders
  • testing and piloting the risk management system and pre-arrival process

Benefits

The introduction of risk-based pre-arrival processing is a win for the government, the private sector, and the wider Kenyan population. It will:

  • expedite clearance and release of goods
  • improve risk assessment allowing customs and other boder agencies to facilitate low-risk shipments and focus their resources on high risks
  • increase the balance between ensuring compliance and minimising disruption and cost to legitimate trade and the public
  • increase staff awareness about pre-arrival processing and risk management

Monitoring and evaluation

We are monitoring and evaluating the project throughout its duration. Key indicators include:

  • percentage of all “green channel” shipments which are released upon arrival without inspection
  • percentage of shipments processed through the upgraded IT system
  • percentage of importers that are satisfied with the upgraded IT system for pre-arrival of manifest and declaration

Private sector support

In Kenya we are looking for businesses to get involved in a wide range of activities including:

  • sharing experience and knowledge on risk processes, best practice, legal and regulatory reforms
  • providing training and capacity building
  • supporting project management development and roll-out
  • promoting the project to stakeholders

Project structure 

Phase 1

Achieved

Analysis and planning

Phase 2

Achieved

Design and development

Phase 3

In progress

Training and piloting

Testimonials

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John Kornerup Bang

Head of Sustainability Strategy and Shared Value at Maersk
As one of the world’s largest integrated transport and logistics companies operating in 130 countries, Maersk is a major part of the global trading system. “International trade has helped lift over a billion people out of poverty. At the same time, we recognise that we need to make global trade available for everybody so that all can share in its benefits. That’s why a key pillar of our sustainability strategy is to multiply the benefits of trade by supporting countries to implement the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) – and why we work with the Alliance to do it."
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Revathi Roy

Revathi Roy, Co-founder and CEO, HeyDeedee, Mumbai
Revathi Roy set up India’s first all-female delivery company HeyDeedee in 2016 to offer new training and professional opportunities to low-income women in Mumbai. Three years later, her business operates in 10 Indian cities, employs 10 000 women agents, and has partnerships with giants like Amazon. “A career in logistics is not an intuitive leap for Indian women since this field has been largely dominated by men. Parents see jobs in the call centre industry as a safer option for their daughters,” explains Revathi.
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Jyoti Wadhwa

Jyoti Wadhwa, Founder, Sanskriti Vintage, New Delhi
Jyoti Wadhwa is a successful entrepreneur, who sells Indian handicrafts and promotes the spirit of craftsmanship through international trade. In 2010, she set up her online business, Sanskriti Vintage, to sell vintage handicraft fabrics, various types of embroidery, and other craft items. At the time, she worked from home while taking care of her child and handled all operations single-handedly. Ten years later, she employs 25 people, supporting local artisans and serving antique collectors and aesthetes all over the world.
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Sindy Sevilla

Sindy Sevilla, Founder, SB Café Los Santos, Costa Rica
Sindy Sevilla is a coffee lover and successful entrepreneur who turned her passion for coffee into a business. She founded SB Café Los Santos in 2012 when she moved to Tarrazu, a rural area of Costa Rica. “I wanted to turn my passion into a living and make an impact by empowering local people, especially women,” explains Sindy. Positive social impact is at the heart of Sindy’s business. “Most coffee is exported as green beans. We don’t sell that because we believe it is important for Costa Rica to handle most of the transformation that adds value. We want to keep the profits in the community.”
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Introducing risk-based pre-arrival processing