MEASURES TO FIGHT COVID-19 AT THE BORDERS

MEASURES TO FIGHT COVID-19 AT THE BORDERS

By Donald Kogai

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has instituted

measures to support the Government initiatives

aimed at managing the spread of COVID-19 at

ports of entry and transit corridors countrywide.

The Authority, which is the Lead Agency at the

Land Borders, has put in place the following

measures to ensure safety and trade

facilitation:

Adherence to National and East African

Community (EAC) guidelines against Covid-19

pandemic

The safe movement of cargo is in line with the

guidelines given the Government of Kenya to

facilitate the free movement of cargo across

official border points. Further KRA will

implement the directives in the Joint Statement

by Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and

Health issued on 25th March 2020 on Covid-19

All cargo trucks crossing the international land

border points shall have a maximum of three

crew.

Screening of cargo crew at the border points by

Port Health Officials shall be mandatory.

The cargo trucks shall be fumigated at the

International Border Crossing

There shall be designated hotels and/or lodges

for the cargo crew.

Sanitizers, disinfectants and clean running

water shall be available to enhance hygiene and

mitigate against the risks of infection.

Border points shall operate in line with National

Government directives.

KRA has taken measures to ensure that there

are adequate staff numbers at the Border

Points and observes the social distancing

guidelines.

KRA Staff are well trained on hygiene protocols

and shall put on Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE) at all times when offering services to

importers, exporters and stakeholders.

KRA will use technology to ensure uninterrupted

services to importers, exporters and

stakeholders.

This include the use of Simba System,

Integrated Customs Management System

(ICMS) and Single Window platforms.

Communication through email is encouraged to

minimise physical contact and ensure faster

resolution of issues.

All goods declared under the Single Customs

Territory (SCT) framework shall be monitored

via the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking

System (RECTS).

Pre-Arrival Clearance (PAC) is encouraged for

cargo coming through our borders to mitigate

against delays.

All Customs related inquiries and applications

will be processed online.

KRA has collaborated with other government

agencies to facilitate safe movement of cargo

at all the Country’s Ports of Entry.

The agencies include Ministry of East African

Community and Regional Development;

Ministry of Health; Ministry of Industrialisation,

Trade and Enterprise Development; Ministry of

Foreign Affairs; National Police Service;

Directorate of Immigration and Citizen Services.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, KRA continues

to ensure the global supply chain does not

suffer.