The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have signed an agreement that will see the two institutions work together to enhance efficiency in sea cargo clearance.
NBA acting Chief Executive Officer (Ag. CEO) Nehemiah Ngetich and Winfred Kinyua, an Assistant Manager at KRA responsible for Customs and Border Control, signed the deal during a meeting at NBA Headquarters in Nairobi.
The NBA-KRA Service Level Agreement (SLA) for sea cargo clearance will enable the two institutions to serve their clients effectively.
“The development of this Agreement (SLA) has been a journey that has taken over two years, and today marks a significant milestone, not just for the National Biosafety Authority but also for Kenya and all government entities involved in trade facilitation,” announced Ngetich, stressing that the greatest beneficiaries of this achievement will be the traders, who are the backbone of the Kenyan economy.
He noted that the agreement is a testament to what collaborations can achieve and was developed in partnership with 24 government agencies, the NBA being one of them, and powerfully embodies the ‘one government approach’ in facilitating trade in line with international frameworks such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
“The SLA clearly outlines the National Biosafety Authority’s crucial role and specific timelines for efficient sea cargo clearance, a position thoughtfully developed through extensive internal consultations,” disclosed the Ag. CEO.
Further, Ngetich reaffirmed that the Authority welcomes the decision to establish a Joint Administrative Committee (JAC).
According to the Ag. CEO, the Committee, bolstered by other integrated platforms, will be an invaluable source of feedback, empowering NBA to continuously refine and enhance its service delivery.
Additionally, he appreciated the team that was involved in the development of the important reference framework under the leadership of KRA.
“I look forward to its full endorsement to become a tool that will drive transformative change within the trade ecosystem,” observed Ngetich.
Kinyua appreciated the partnership, insisting that the agreement will ease trade in the region.
Meanwhile, the NBA has achieved a major milestone in the automation of its services, as all customer-facing services related to GMO applications and related functions have been fully automated via the e-Citizen and KENTRADE platforms.
The Authority also decentralised its services to key border points such as Mombasa, Busia, Namanga, Malaba, Lunga Lunga, and Taita Taveta, and plans are underway to expand further into other entry points, including Moyale and Isebania, to strengthen its regulatory oversight.
The Authority is established under the Biosafety Act, CAP 320 with the mandate to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms with the aim of ensuring safety of human and animal health and provision of an adequate level of protection of the environment.
By Michael Omondi
