Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter (MPNCCC), emphasizing its pivotal role in meeting its Charter obligations.
KEBS Managing Director, Esther Ngari, says the Standards Body is dedicated in ensuring the efficient and transparent facilitation of trade through rigorous quality standards.
“At KEBS, we are dedicated to ensuring the efficient and transparent facilitation of trade through rigorous quality standards. We have continuously worked to align our operations with the MPNCCC’s objectives, enabling faster cargo clearance and improving service delivery to our stakeholders,” said KEBS Managing Director, Esther Ngari, through Director Dr. Muriira during a media briefing at the Internal Container Depot in Nairobi.
According to Ngare, KEBS has been instrumental in improving the efficiency of Kenya’s trade operations.
She noted that, under the MPNCCC framework, the turnaround time for sampled import consignments has significantly reduced from 20 days in 2018 to just seven days in 2024.
Similarly, consignments accompanied by Certificates of Conformity (CoC) from the country of origin are now cleared within one hour, down from two hours in 2018.
Locally inspected consignments and those with Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) exemptions are also cleared within the same timeframe.
As the body responsible for ensuring compliance with Kenya’s quality standards, KEBS operates the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) program to assess regulated imported products. This program ensures that goods comply with Kenya’s standards and specifications before shipment, protecting consumers from substandard and counterfeit products while facilitating trade by expediting the clearance of compliant goods.
The MPNCCC, launched in 2014, provides a collaborative framework for modernizing the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor, improving infrastructure, increasing cargo throughput, and enhancing service delivery.
KEBS has aligned its quality assurance measures with the Charter’s objectives to transform the corridor into a world-class trade and transport hub.
According to the MD, KEBS has integrated cutting-edge technology into its operations to streamline import processes and enhance transparency.
The KEBS Integrated Management System (KIMS), linked with KENTRADE for cargo clearance and E-Citizen for payment processing, has reduced delays and improved service delivery.
Dr. Muriira underscored these innovations, stating, “Through the enhanced KEBS Integrated Management System, we have streamlined import processes, reduced inefficiencies, and increased transparency. These advancements ensure KEBS continues to support Kenya’s trade and economic goals while upholding quality and safety standards.”
The multi-sectoral MPNCCC framework brings together stakeholders such as the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Railways, Shippers Council of Eastern Africa, and Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA).
He said, through close collaboration, these entities aim to achieve the Charter’s vision of a competitive, efficient, and reliable trade corridor.
A recent media tour organized by the MPNCCC stakeholders showcased the progress made in aligning operations and investments to the Charter’s objectives.
By aligning its operations with the MPNCCC framework, KEBS has solidified its role as a key enabler in Kenya’s journey to becoming a regional trade powerhouse.
