In May 2022, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a comprehensive diagnostic mission in Nairobi to support Kenya's implementation of the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The mission, requested by Kenya Revenue Authority's Customs and Border Control Department (C&BCD), aimed to assess progress and challenges while developing actionable improvement plans.
Background and Objectives
As a vital East African economy, Kenya's customs efficiency significantly impacts regional trade flows. The WCO Mercator Program diagnostic mission focused on four key objectives:
- Conducting a thorough assessment of TFA implementation status across all relevant provisions
- Identifying priority areas requiring focused improvement
- Developing a multi-year Mercator Implementation Plan (IP)
- Establishing baseline measurements using the Mercator maturity model
Methodology
Over ten days, the WCO team employed multiple assessment techniques:
- Detailed review of customs regulations, policies, and operational procedures
- Interviews with senior officials, operational managers, and frontline staff
- Field visits to major ports and border stations
- Consultations with traders, logistics providers, and industry associations
Key Findings
The assessment revealed significant progress in several areas:
- Transparent information disclosure through multiple channels
- Implementation of risk-based cargo management systems
- Enhanced inter-agency cooperation for law enforcement
However, challenges remain:
- Insufficient intergovernmental coordination mechanisms
- Need for enhanced customs officer training in risk management and technology
- Infrastructure limitations at key border points
- Requirements for upgraded IT systems and data sharing capabilities
Multi-Year Implementation Plan
The developed Mercator Implementation Plan outlines concrete actions including:
- Establishment of a high-level trade facilitation coordination committee
- Comprehensive training programs for customs personnel
- Targeted infrastructure upgrades at critical border stations
- Modernization of IT systems to enable seamless data exchange
- Creation of public-private dialogue platforms for continuous feedback
Maturity Assessment and Recommendations
The Mercator maturity model evaluation positioned Kenya's customs administration at an intermediate TFA implementation level. To accelerate progress, the WCO recommended:
- Strengthening political commitment and resource allocation
- Aligning national legislation with TFA requirements
- Enhancing inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms
- Sustaining capacity building initiatives
- Deepening engagement with private sector stakeholders
The diagnostic mission provides Kenya with a clear roadmap to enhance trade facilitation, reduce transaction costs, and stimulate economic growth through improved customs operations.