The Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) has invested in newer technology in the implementation of the upgraded TradeNet system (Trade Facilitation Platform) in a bid to increase efficiency. 

Speaking during the Trade Facilitation Summit, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani said the system is a more superior platform that will provide better user experience as it is based on modern technologies and incorporates best international practices and standards.

“As we launch the upgrade of the Kenya TradeNet System, which is also known as the Trade Facilitation Platform, the next 10 years are indeed promising to the trading community. With the launch of the Trade Facilitation platform, I believe that some of the limitations and features that were lacking in the Kenya TradeNet system will promote the betterment of intra-regional trade as well as significantly make it easy to carry out trade,” Yatani said.

The upgrade that began in August 2021, has already on boarded about 23 government agencies, and is set to be completed by end of April 2022.

“KenTrade has continued to rely on technology to provide unique products and services that are aimed at providing stakeholders with an opportunity to conduct business in a seamless, efficient and effective way hence reducing the cost of doing business within the country,” said KenTrade Chairman Mugambi  Imanyara.

The platform was launched at the Trade Facilitation Summit where over 200 stakeholders in the trade facilitation eco system attended including members of the African Alliance for e Commerce (AACE) which Kenya is a founder member and current president.

The Inaugural summit marks the culmination of KenTrade’s 10- Year Anniversary.

“Kenya recognizes the strategic place that trade facilitation holds in its ambition for sustainable economic prosperity. Considering the interconnectedness of trade economies and the nature of cross border trade, trade facilitation requires a continental and multi-stakeholder approach. One country cannot do this alone. Countries must also focus on facilitating trade through national, regional and international trade arrangements. This is part of our value system because Kenya’s trade today is more closely tied to regional and global trade than it has ever been,” said Betty Maina, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, who was the Chief Guest.

By Fred Odanga Azelwa