As the state aims to move almost 5,000 functions online, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has switched its cargo handling services to the government e-Citizen platform.
Port customers have praised KPA’s deployment of technology, claiming it will increase operational efficiency.
The port’s charter, which encourages going paperless, is in line with the trend, according to the primary port users, the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) and the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA).
“The change will boost productivity because we can monitor our transactions and see delays at any time. Gilbert Lagat, chief executive officer of SCEA, said, “We are requesting the government to transfer to other state agencies to make our ports effective to minimize costs of handling cargo.
“This is wonderful and brings services closer to the digitized industry,” Kifwa Chairman Roy Mwanthi remarked. This should be done.
The KPA stated its page can be accessed by logging into each e-Citizen account before moving on to the government services module in a message emailed to port users on Tuesday.
This is one of the steps the government is taking toward its goal of digitizing at least 5,000 key services in order to increase tax collection by adding more services to the e-Citizen system. In order to hasten the digitalization of the services by June this year, ministries and state agencies that offer a range of services to the public are gathering this week in Nakuru.
77 government-owned service providers are present, including Safaricom, along with significant private companies that offer web-based payment solutions. The gathering of various parties, according to Immigration and Citizen Services PS Prof Julius Bitok, who opened the meeting this week, was intended to ensure that the digitalization effort was consultative and inclusive by taking into account the specific concerns of various service providers.
Some of the major organizations whose services are anticipated to be automated are the Kenya Revenue Authority, KPA, Communication Authority, National Cereals and Produce Board, National Environment Management Authority, Kenya National Library Services, and the Kenya Airports Authority.
It is also anticipated that the Teachers Service Commission, the Judiciary, and other significant employers will offer their services online.