Effect of Single Window System Procedures on Cargo Clearance Efficiency in Kenya: A Case for Mombasa Port

Billy N Kabui ,Thomas Waweru Gakobo ,Peter Mwaura

doi:10.7176/ejbm/11-24-11

Abstract

A Single Window Concept is a one-stop facility that allows exchange of information between all parties involved in trade across borders. It is aimed at reducing the complexity, time and costs of clearing goods at the ports. The Concept has been successfully implemented in Kenya in areas such as the Mombasa port, Jomo Kenyatta International airport, Moi International airport and Kenyan borders. The study sought to identify the Effect of Single Window System on cargo clearance efficiency at the port of Mombasa. In particular, to determine its effect on shipping procedures, Pre-clearance permits and Customs goods declaration procedures at the port of Mombasa. The study adopted a quantitative approach targeting a population of 155 respondents. Stratified sampling technique was used to get a sample size of 112 respondents. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with Likert scale measurement. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive as well as inferential statistics. The study found that Single Window concept has positive effect on Shipping procedures (p-value 0.952), Pre-clearance permits (p-value 0.861), Customs goods declaration procedures (p-value 0.950) and hence improved cargo clearance efficiency at the port of Mombasa. The study recommends more studies to be done on variables that affect cargo clearance efficiency at the port of Mombasa which were not covered under this study. Keywords: Concept, One-stop facility, Cargo clearance, Pre-clearance permits, Customs goods declarations, Regulatory agencies, Electronic cargo authentication. DOI : 10.7176/EJBM/11-24-11 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

Highlights

The Single Window Concept (SWC) in a theoretical perspective, is a facility that allows on-line lodgment of trade related information through a single electronic portal
This was evident with most respondents agreeing that the procedures have improved with the implementation of Single Window system in Kenya having an overall index of 56.25%, Mean=3.68 and Standard deviation of 0.809 less than (SD ≤1)
Conclusions of the Study It is evident from the study that the implementation of Single Window system has Leading to increased efficiency at the port Mombasa

Summary

Introduction

The Single Window Concept (SWC) in a theoretical perspective, is a facility that allows on-line lodgment of trade related information through a single electronic portal. The system is either a physical structure i.e. building or electronic, which basically provides a single point of entry and processing of data related to cross border trade. The system has in-built business rules for each individual process, to enable compliance with regulatory agencies and other parties involved in cross border trade. A Single agency is entrusted with the management of the system and basically oversees the implementation of the changes from paper based business processes to electronics-based processes. This is one of the most challenging aspect of implementation of the systems and poses serious issues to do with change management. This is one of the most challenging aspect of implementation of the systems and poses serious issues to do with change management. (ESCWA, 2011)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion