Kenya Maritime Authority Leads Drive to Enhance Maritime Trade Practices

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) spearheaded a series of workshops aimed at bolstering maritime trade facilitation and investment, aiming to equip traders, shippers, and stakeholders with the requisite knowledge of international trade best practices to maintain competitiveness in an evolving global landscape.

According to KMA, effective trading at local, regional, and international levels demands adherence to best practices to gain a competitive edge in destination markets.

With technology and business trends shaping the dynamic nature of international shipping, the workshops assumed critical importance for participants.

Joseph Kapeku, the Director of Maritime Trade and Development at KMA, emphasized the initiative’s aim to sensitize traders, shippers, and stakeholders on trade facilitation to eliminate non-tariff barriers and harness investment opportunities in the maritime sector.

“The blue economy is the frontier of socio-economic growth in this country, facilitating improved livelihoods and job creation while preserving the health of the oceanic ecosystem,” Kapeku stated.

Moreover, the Kenya Maritime Authority is spearheading the implementation of a maritime databank to enhance customer relationship management and business analytics, aiding policymakers and government agencies.

Jessica Mbae, the Corporate Secretary representing the KMA Director General, highlighted the escalating cost of doing business, leading to inflated prices of consumer goods and a higher cost of living.

“There is a pressing need for us to keep abreast of the dynamic trade landscape, hence the presence of facilitators to update us on advancements and best practices,” Mbae emphasized.

Agayo Ogambi, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Shippers Council of East Africa, called upon the government to ensure stability within the system.

“Businesses have become overly dependent, facing delays in cargo clearance. I urge shippers, especially clearing agencies and cargo owners, to plan effectively for cargo clearance,” Ogambi urged, noting a significant reduction in penalties from 3.6 billion in 2020 to 1.2 billion in 2023.

Furthermore, uninformed decisions by Kenyan traders have led to adverse repercussions on business transactions, eroding profit margins.

“For instance, many importers and exporters misuse International Commercial Terms, placing them in a disadvantageous position,” noted Kapeku.

Mbae underscored the positive impact of port expansion and road infrastructure improvements in Kenya, offering importers freedom of choice in documentation and transport mode, significantly boosting national trade.

“It is time we discuss opportunities for enterprises of all sizes,” Mbae concluded.