TradeNet News March - May 2015F

TradeNet NewsSimplifying Trade Processes for Kenyas Competitiveness

March 2015 - May 2015 Issue

Message from Ag. CEO

Welcome to the 2nd edition of our Newsletter, TradeNet News. As the lead Trade Facilitation Agency, we are keen to ensure that Kenya joins the league of economies that have fully adopted automation of cross border trade transaction processes. To date we have successfully rolled out eighteen (18) out of twenty (20) modules and their functionalities on the Kenya TradeNet System. Following the successful roll out of the above modules, I am happy to report that during the month of June 2015, the National Treasury released a Public Notice announcing the cut over dates for some of the modules tied to a select group of Partner Government Agencies. This Public Notice in essence informs stakeholders that as from July 1, 2015,

the affected permits will only be processed through the Kenya TradeNet System. This is a major milestone in our drive towards a paperless system.

I am equally delighted to report that the Board of Directors has been appointed led by Chairman Gen. Joseph R. Kibwana (Ret) EGH, CBS. We are excited that the new Board members come with varied expertise that will inject fresh and innovative ideas as they continue providing leadership to the Agencys overall policy and strategy.

In this newsletter, we have documented key activities that we have undertaken over the last three (3) months with our stakeholders especially in the areas of sensitization and training which have yielded positive results. To ensure that our stakeholders along the border points receive our servic-es promptly, Customer Support Officers have been deployed to Namanga, Busia, Malaba and Isebania border points. This is in addition to our Mombasa facilitation office which is now fully oper-ational. This quarter also saw the Agency formally launch the implementation of the Quality Man-agement System (QMS) as our resolve to pursue ISO 9001:2008 Certification moved a notch higher. This is all aimed at ensuring that the Agency remains Customer Focused and to ensure that the Ease of Doing Business is indeed improved.

Finally, as the Financial year 2014/2015 comes to a close, I take this opportunity to thank the Cabi-net Secretary National Treasury, Mr. Henry Rotich without whose support we would not have come this far. Our appreciation to the Partner Government Agencies, Associations and private institutions for partnering with us in implementing our mandate. We would further like to thank our development partners particularly Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICF), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) for their immense support.

Amos WangoraAg. CEO

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KenTrade is proud to announce a new Board of Directors recently appointed by HE President Uhuru Kenyatta. The President appointed Gen. Joseph R. Kibwana (Ret) EGH, CBS as the Chairman of the Board, also appointed Prof. Esther Gicheru, Mr. Francis Parsimei and Ms. Wambui Namu to the Board. In the Board include Amb. Nelson Ndirangu ( Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade) Joseph Ngugi ( The National Treasury) George Wanjau ( Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure) and Gilbert Langat ( Shippers Council of Eastern Africa)

The new leadership brings valuable input to help staff better implement the Kenya TradeNet System which is the Agencys core mandate. The Board who will serve for a period of three (3) years have already taken leadership at the Agency and have met with Senior Management of KenTrade to familiarize with the Agencys operations.

Ag. CEO Mr. Amos Wangora while speaking on behalf of the management said that the Manage-ment will continue with the efforts to ensure successful implementation of the Kenya TradeNet System. He said the Management was looking forward to working with the Board of Directors in order to deliver demonstrable results.

The Chairman Gen Joseph R. Kibwana (Ret) on his part welcomed the new Board and urged both the Board members and the Management to be dedicated towards implementation of the Kenya TradeNet System adding that successful implementation will be a key indicator towardrealization of Kenyas Vision 2030.

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KenTrade gets New Board of Directors

KenTrade Chairman Board of Directors Gen. Joseph R. Kibwana(Ret) EGH, CBS ( 2nd left) pose for a photograph with newly appointed Directors and Senior Management. Standing from left : Mr Francis Parsimei, Prof. Esther Gicheru, Corporation Secretary/Head of Legal Services Beatrice Kosgei, Ms. Wambui Namu and Ag.CEO Amos Wangora. Other Directors (not in thepicture) Amb. Nelson Ndirangu, Joseph Ngugi, George Wanjau and Gilbert Langat

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The implementation of the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System also known as the Kenya TradeNet System Project has been progressing on well. To date, there are more than 20 Systemmodules and functionalities in live environment while piloting for the declaration module is on-going.

The business community is now able to apply electronically for permits/licenses/certificates make pay-ments and get approvals from more than 25 government departments and agencies using the System.

The successful roll out of the Kenya TradeNet System has considerably enhanced transparency in the import and export trade processes in Kenya. For example, effective system to system integration with Systems of some key Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) such as Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has enabled electronic sharing of information across government agencies lead-ing to faster electronic submission and processing of trade related documentation and minimised delays associated with standalone system processes. Similarly, integration of the Kenya TradeNet System with the electronic Payment Gateway has allowed traders to make payments for IDFs, permits/licenses and certificates to different PGAs, resulting to faster documentation/approvals and minimal transportation cost for the traders who are no longer required to move from office to office seeking government approvals.

The System has an inbuilt specialised dynamic risk management module that has made it possible the PGAs to define risk profiles that are product/ trader/location based. This has improved objectivity and drastically reduced subjectivity in the whole cargo targeting and inspection process.

Some of the benefits already being realised include:

Electronic tracking of documents by use of the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR). Custom-ers are able to monitor and get feedback on the status of the documents from the comfort of their ofces without visiting any government ofce on real time basis.Electronic processing and approval of permits by the PGAs Currently 20 out of a target of 27 PGAs are on board the System while the remaining 7 are piloting on the System.

Electronic payments for permits and IDFs Customers are now able to make payments within 3 hours as opposed to 1-2 days before the implementation of the System

Customers processing IDFs via the System are now taking less than one day to process and inspect cargo opposed to three-four days taken earlier

Ships agents have reported reasonable saving in paper and other stationeries since they are no longer required to print and distribute manifests to various government agencies

There is reported increased compliance by stakeholders which has resulted to increased revenue to government since the System has blocked some loop holes used to evade authorities. Some PGAs have reported 100% compliance and 20% increase in revenue since they started using the System.


Kenya TradeNet System updates

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Whats New at KenTrade

ERP ImplementationIn order to improve service delivery to our customers, we are implementing an EnterpriseResource Planning (ERP) System in our business processes. ERP is a management software that allows an organization (KenTrade) to use a system of integrated applications to manage the busi-ness and automate many manual processes that are related to finance, procurement and human resources. The System is designed to integrate data and business processes of KenTrade into a unified system. ERP will generally automate and integrate the key processes that will effectively simplify them by utilizing components of both computer software and hardware.

CRM operational in Customer Care and Contact Center The Customer Care and Contact Centre office staff have commenced using Customer Relation-ship Management (CRM) System , a system that will aid in managing KenTrades interactions with current and future customers. Implementation of the CRM at the contact centre involves using technology to organize, automate and synchronize sales, marketing, customer service, and techni-cal support. It will also help direct customers to the right agent and as a tool for self-empowered knowledge. The goal of the system is to track, record, store in databases, and then disseminate the information in a way that optimises customer relations.

In our efforts towards becoming an ISO Certified Company, KenTrade in May 2015 launched the ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management Systems (QMS) documentation. The launch marked a major milestone in the Agencys journey towards ISO 9001: 2008 Certification, a process that commenced in September 2014. Ag.CEO Amos Wangora while addressing the staff emphasized the importance of being an ISO Certified company adding that it will ensure that the organization meets the needs of customers and other stakeholders. Implementing this continuous improvement approach will increase our operating efficiencies while reducing waste and will also enable KenTra-de to be a more responsive organization to increase customer satisfaction, he said. ISO 9000 is basically a quality management systems standard designed to help organizations to deal with the fundamentals of quality management systems. KenTrade is working towards being an ISO Certified Company by the end of 2015.

KenTrade ISO Champions

KenTrade Launches ISO Documentation

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KenTrade is proud to announce a new Board of Directors recently appointed by HE President Uhuru Kenyatta. The President appointed Gen. Joseph R. Kibwana (Ret) EGH, CBS as the Chairman of the Board, also appointed Prof. Esther Gicheru, Mr. Francis Parsimei and Ms. Wambui Namu to the Board. In the Board include Amb. Nelson Ndirangu ( Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade) Joseph Ngugi ( The National Treasury) George Wanjau ( Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure) and Gilbert Langat ( Shippers Council of Eastern Africa)

The new leadership brings valuable input to help staff better implement the Kenya TradeNet System which is the Agencys core mandate. The Board who will serve for a period of three (3) years have already taken leadership at the Agency and have met with Senior Management of KenTrade to familiarize with the Agencys operations.

Ag. CEO Mr. Amos Wangora while speaking on behalf of the management said that the Manage-ment will continue with the efforts to ensure successful implementation of the Kenya TradeNet System. He said the Management was looking forward to working with the Board of Directors in order to deliver demonstrable results.

The Chairman Gen Joseph R. Kibwana (Ret) on his part welcomed the new Board and urged both the Board members and the Management to be dedicated towards implementation of the Kenya TradeNet System adding that successful implementation will be a key indicator towardrealization of Kenyas Vision 2030.

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Change Management on the right trackOur Customer Care and Contact Centre team led by lead Asst. Manager Change Managemet Furaha Wanjiru together with Consulatants from Deloitte East Africa have been holding meetings with Change Champions ( Change Agent Network) to ensure smooth transition from the old paper based (legacy) system of trade transaction into the electronic platform. The Change Champions are representatives from Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), Clearing & Forwarding and Banking institutions from Nai-robi and Mombasa and have been trained on how to manage change on issues related to Kenya TradeNet System implementation. The Change champions meet on a monthly basis to report on the progress made by their respective institutions in the adoption of the Kenya TradeNet System. This has resulted to an impressive increase in the usage of the Kenya TradeNet System.

KenTrades Coast Region representatives Sam Ochieng and Hilda Karegi recently attended a sen-sitization forum for Kenya Association of manufac-tures in the Coast region. The meeting mainly focused on implementation of the Kenya TradeNet System and how it will improve trade logistics if fully embraced by the stake holders. The meeting was also attended by our Partner Government Agency (PGA) Kenya Revenue Authority.

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KenTrade attends WTO TFA Regional meeting in RwandaGeneral Manager Support Services Simon Kiplangat attended the East Africa Regional meeting World Trade organisation Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA) that was recently held in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting was organised by the East Africa Community Secretariat. TFA contains provision for expediting the move-ment, release and clearance of goods, including goods on transit. It also sets out measure for effective coop-eration between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues including provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area.

KAM Sensitized on the Kenya TradeNet System

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Port of Mombasa Increases CapacityKenya Ports Authority recently commissioned 12 ultra-modern rubber-tyre gantries to boost efficiency and enhance container handling and yard productivity at the Port of Mombasa. This move is in tandem with the governments quest for a world class seaport with a competitive edge over other regional ports. "Our capacity is now enhanced to 30% because we will

be able to move cargo faster," KPA Managing Director Mr. Gichiri Ndua told Deputy President William Ruto who commissioned the equipment. The move also aims at moving the country towards a regional sea transport that contributes to the realisation of the Vision 2030 and the economic integration of the larger East Africa.


Industry News in Brief

Welcome to the 2nd edition of our Newsletter, TradeNet News. As the lead Trade Facilitation Agency, we are keen to ensure that Kenya joins the league of economies that have fully adopted automation of cross border trade transaction processes. To date we have successfully rolled out eighteen (18) out of twenty (20) modules and their functionalities on the Kenya TradeNet System. Following the successful roll out of the above modules, I am happy to report that during the month of June 2015, the National Treasury released a Public Notice announcing the cut over dates for some of the modules tied to a select group of Partner Government Agencies. This Public Notice in essence informs stakeholders that as from July 1, 2015,

the affected permits will only be processed through the Kenya TradeNet System. This is a major milestone in our drive towards a paperless system.

I am equally delighted to report that the Board of Directors has been appointed led by Chairman Gen. Joseph R. Kibwana (Ret) EGH, CBS. We are excited that the new Board members come with varied expertise that will inject fresh and innovative ideas as they continue providing leadership to the Agencys overall policy and strategy.

In this newsletter, we have documented key activities that we have undertaken over the last three (3) months with our stakeholders especially in the areas of sensitization and training which have yielded positive results. To ensure that our stakeholders along the border points receive our servic-es promptly, Customer Support Officers have been deployed to Namanga, Busia, Malaba and Isebania border points. This is in addition to our Mombasa facilitation office which is now fully oper-ational. This quarter also saw the Agency formally launch the implementation of the Quality Man-agement System (QMS) as our resolve to pursue ISO 9001:2008 Certification moved a notch higher. This is all aimed at ensuring that the Agency remains Customer Focused and to ensure that the Ease of Doing Business is indeed improved.

Finally, as the Financial year 2014/2015 comes to a close, I take this opportunity to thank the Cabi-net Secretary National Treasury, Mr. Henry Rotich without whose support we would not have come this far. Our appreciation to the Partner Government Agencies, Associations and private institutions for partnering with us in implementing our mandate. We would further like to thank our development partners particularly Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICF), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) for their immense support.

Amos WangoraAg. CEO

East Africa Legislative Assembly Passes Regional Trade Barriers Bill

The regional assembly has passed a law that will compel partner states to eliminate barriers and end protectionism that has hindered smooth trade. The East Africa Legislative Assembly passed the Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers Bill, 2015, as the bloc set its sights on deepening integration among its five member countries. The Bill that was sponsored by the EAC Council of Ministers, the blocs top administrative and decision making organ now awaits assent by the regions heads of state to become operational. The Bill, is to provide a legal mechanism for the elimination of identified non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in partner states.

SCEA Releases Pilot Logistics Survey Report

The Shippers Council of Eastern Africa has established a need for shippers and cargo owners to examine their logistics management and costs by undertaking logistics audits according to a survey report released by Gilbert Langat CEO SCEA in May 2015. These were findings from initial assessment that was under-taken through a pilot study of 5 volunteer companies in 2014.

The goal of a logistic audit is to objective-ly examine a companys existing logistics and transportation operations and flows, assess the efficiency of the systems and processes in place and to provide the organization with recommendations and guidelines on its supply chain and freight management. It seeks to identify areas of inefficiency, cost leakage and unnecessary processes in a well docu-mented and orderly process. Full report on the survey can be downloaded on www.kenyaship-pers.org

Standing left: Taigu Muchiri (SCEA) Seated L to R: Amos Wangora (Ag. CEO KenTrade) Gilbert Langat, (CEO SCEA)Polycarp Igathe ( MD Vivo Energy)Auni Bhaiji ( Regional Director Development and External Aairs Bollore EastAfrica and National Chairman KIFWA) Elizabeth Kyengo (GM Procurement Nation Media Group) and Stanley Kirui (Kirui and Associates)

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The World Environment Day was marked on 5th June 2015 in accordance with the global calendar of environmental events. The theme for this years event released by UNEP is, Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care. Narok Town in Narok County was selected as venue for the Nation-al Event. The area is home to important ecosystems including the Maasai Mara Reserve, Maasai Mau forest block as well as the Mara River which is the life line of the region.Still on environment, Interna-tional Day of Forests (IDF) was celebrated on March 21, 2015 at Ndabibi Primary School. Under the theme forests and climate change, IDF celebrated

increased forest cover in the country that stands at about 7%, 3% shy of the United Nations recom-mended 10 % forest cover of the total land area. Speaking at the event the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Prof. Judi Wakhungu attributed the increased forest cover to ambitious restoration programmes for countrys water towers and dry land forests. In 2014, as part of our efforts to conserve the environment, KenTrade partnered with Ndabibi Secondary School, Nakuru County to plant 500 Trees. Ndabibi Secondary School is located at Eburu Forest, which is one of the 22 blocs of Mau forest that contributes heavily to power generation, protection of the wildlife and hence the need to protect it at all costs.


Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Prof. Judi Wakhungu reading a speech during international forest day. She attributed the increased forest cover to ambitious restoration programmes for countrys water towers and dry land forests.

As part of our efforts to conserve the environment and contribution towards the World Environment Day that was held on Junr 5, 2015, KenTrade invited National Management Authori-ty (NEMA) to sensitize staff on the importance of environmental sustainability. The sensitization workshop was facilitated by NEMAs Principal Environmental Planning Officer, Godfrey Mwangi. The sensitization focused on familiarization with the NEMA Gazetted Regulations, Environmental Sustainability, conservation and issues related to Performance Contract with regards to the envi-ronment. During the sensitization staff were urged be conscious of sustainable environment development, development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUESENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

World Enviroment Day and International Day of Forests

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUESEnvironmental Sustainability Awareness

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PICTORIALS

Investment Climate Facility for Africa (ICF) CEO William Asiko ( left) is received by Dulo Igwo, Incharge of Import Declaration Form (IDF)at KRA - ForodhaHouse. Mr. Asiko was on ocial visit to Kenya to assess the progress on the Kenya TradeNet System. ICF is key Development Partner in implementation of the Kenya TradeNet System. Looking on is KenTrade GM Support Services, Simon Kiplangat.

KenTrades Coast Region Representative Hilda Karegi (2nd left) attends to Evergreen Gulf Badr Group (Kenya) sta during routine customer visits in the region. KenTrade recently opened Coast Region oces at Jubilee House in Mombasa.

KenTrade Ag.CEO Amos Wangora (left) confers with Kephis Ag.CEO Dr. Esther Kimani ( in Blue Dress) and Simon Kibet , GM. Quality Assurance during meeting with importers and exporters dealing with Agricultural & Horticultural products. The meeting was held in April 2015 and aimed at streamlining /fast tracking the import and export processes under the Integrated Kephis and Kenya TradeNet Online Systems

KenTrade sta were among thousands of people who participated in the Beyond Zero Campaign, First Ladys Half Marathon held on March 8, 2015 in Nairobi. Spearheaded by The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, HE Margaret Kenyatta, the Beyond Zero Campaign is part of the initiatives outlined in her strategic framework towards HIV control, promotion of maternal, new born and child health in Kenya.

Newly posted KenTrade Border Points Regional representatives pose for photograph during ocial send o to their respective regions. ( L to R) Vincent Bwire ( Namanga) Nichloas Mutua ( Busia), Winnie Moraa (Kisumu/Isebania) Susan Koross ( Malaba.) Chrstine Mugure (Taita/Taveta) and Jane Musyoki ( Nairobi) The postings aims at taking KenTrade services closer to stakeholders.

Newly posted KenTrade Border Points Regional representatives pose for photograph during ocial send o to their respective region. ( L to R) Vincent Bwire ( Namanga)Nichloas Mutua ( Busia), Winnie Moraa ( Kisumu/Isebania) Susan Koross Malaba.) Chrstine Mugure (Taita/Taveta) and Jane Musyoki ( Nairobi).

KenTrade Ag .CEO Amos Wangora ( 3rd left) and AFFA Coee Directorate (ACD) Interim Head G. Kiplimo ( 4th left) during Partner Government Agency visit at ACD oces at Coee Plaza. Others are (L to R) right are KenTrades Eugene Waluvengo, Winnie Mwangi and ACDs James Nzomo, Muinde Ivongo and KenTrades Kevin Too.

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PICTORIALS

Stakeholders who attended the SOP workshop for Phase III of Kenya TradeNet System implementation pose for a photograph during the workshop. The event which was sponsored by International Finance Corporation (IFC) was attended by KenTrades sta led by Ag.CEO Amos Wangora ( 3rd left) and Manager Trade Facilitation Danil Kiange ( extreme right) Mr. Mupelwa Sichilima , Rosemary Makotsi & Akinyi Gikonyo ( 2nd, 4 th & 5th right) all from IFC also participated

KenTrades Jane Musyoki trains Clearing and Forwarding Agents based in Nairobi on how Declaration Module is used in the Kenya TradeNet System. Similar trainings have been done in Nairobi,Isebania, Busia,Kisumu ,Malaba and Namanga border points

KenTrades Asst. Project Manager Mr Eric Lukoye(left) confers with the Registrar of the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board Mr Abdul Latif Ali (centre) and the Chairman Abel Onyango during a workshop organized by KenTrade to prepare the stakeholders for the Cut - O from the legacy System to the Kenya TradeNet System

KenTrade Training coordinator, Magdalene Thiriku poses for a photograph with sta of Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) during a training sensitization cum training session on how to use the Kenya TradeNet System. KDB is a key Partner Government Agency in implementation of the Kenya TradeNet System

Representatives from KenTrade (Kenya) Gainde 2000 ( Senegal) and PortNet S.A ( Morocco) during a workshop to review the constitution, organization structure and Charter for the African Alliance for Electronic Commerce (AACE). AACE is a continental trade facilitation body based in Dakar, Senegal which aim at promoting the concept of national and regional Single Window economies in compliance with the 2004 Recommendations by the United Nations United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT )

Kenneth Ochola of Kenya Revenue Authority, Mombasa ( Center) together with KenTrade team during the Change Agents Network visit to KRA oces in Mombasa.. Others in the picture are (l to r) KenTrades Sam Ochieng,Kevin Too, Magdalene Thiriku,Furaha Wanjiru , Caroline Kamau ( Deloitte Consultants) and Daniel KiangeDuring the visit, KRA sta were also sensitized on how to view Permits Online through the Kenya TradeNet System

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In our efforts towards becoming an ISO Certified Company, KenTrade in May 2015 launched the ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management Systems (QMS) documentation. The launch marked a major milestone in the Agencys journey towards ISO 9001: 2008 Certification, a process that commenced in September 2014. Ag.CEO Amos Wangora while addressing the staff emphasized the importance of being an ISO Certified company adding that it will ensure that the organization meets the needs of customers and other stakeholders. Implementing this continuous improvement approach will increase our operating efficiencies while reducing waste and will also enable KenTra-de to be a more responsive organization to increase customer satisfaction, he said. ISO 9000 is basically a quality management systems standard designed to help organizations to deal with the fundamentals of quality management systems. KenTrade is working towards being an ISO Certified Company by the end of 2015.


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YOU CAN NOW CONTACT US FOR ANY ENQUIRIES, CONCERNS OR COMPLIMENTS ON THE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS PROVIDED.

Welcome toCONTACT CENTRE

Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) is a state agency mandated to establish, operationalize and manage the National Electronic Single Window System (Kenya TradeNet System)

KENYA TRADE NETWORK AGENCY (KENTRADE)

Simplifying Trade Processes for Kenyas Competitiveness

Your G2B trading partner

Monday - Sunday

020-4965000 0730 150 000

0709 950 [email protected]

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TradeNet News March - May 2015F