Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) has proposed a 50% reduction in the $10 Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) fee per Import Declaration Form (IDF), a change that could significantly lower export costs.

The announcement, made during a Consultative Forum in Nairobi co-hosted with the Kenya International Freight and Forwarding Association (KIFWA), has garnered strong backing from the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA),KIFWA and other key industry players.

The forum brought together key representatives of Shippers Council of Eastern Africa(SCEA) and Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) like Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the E-Citizen, Kenya Ports Authority(KPA), the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority(ACA),National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

KenTrade CEO David Ngarama revealed the draft National Electronic Single Window System (Fee Reduction and Exemption) Regulations, developed with the Ministry of National Treasury and Economic Planning. The draft Fee Reduction and Exemption Regulation will be available on KenTrade website www.kentrade.go.ke

The proposal, which also exempts users already covered under existing administrative fee waivers, aims to make Kenyan exports more competitive and profitable, particularly for sectors like fresh produce, flowers, and avocados. This aligns with advocacy from the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA) to address non-tariff barriers.

“It is our view that this proposal will address the concerns raised by stakeholders, particularly, the Fresh Produce Association of Kenya (FPEAK), the Kenya Flower Council, and the Association of Avocado Exporters of Kenya on the impact of the USD 10 UCR fees on their competitiveness and profitability and will positively impact on the industry’s performance. This is also in line with the broader government policy on the promotion of exports. Towards this end, I sincerely thank you for the cooperation as we implement the Regulations,” said CEO David Ngarama.

SCEA CEO Mr.Agayo Ogambi who also sits in the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter(MPNCC), a collaboration of government and Mombasa port stakeholders keen on driving port efficiency, welcomed proposed reductions and exemptions by KenTrade adding that Shippers will remain supportive of initiatives that improve the business climate and drive port efficiency. ”This is what we have been advocating for and we are happy that KenTrade is responsive to Shippers’ cry. We look forward to its successful implementation,” Agayo said.

KIFWA through its national chairman, Mr. Fredrick Oloo, expressed KIFWA’s support for KenTrade’ proposal to slash the $10 Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) fee by 50% per Import Declaration Form (IDF) while emphasising the potential impact of the fee reduction on Kenya’s exporters.

“This proposal will ease the financial burden on our members and make Kenyan goods more competitive, especially in the global market for perishables like avocados and flowers,” he said. He noted that the reduction aligns with KIFWA’s ongoing advocacy for streamlined cargo clearance and cost reduction, a priority his leadership has championed since taking office.

Oloo also urged Parliament to expedite the legislative process for the proposal, echoing his earlier calls for the swift passage of the Kenya Customs and Freight Forwarding Management Bill, which aims to further professionalize the industry.

He reaffirmed KIFWA’s commitment to working with KenTrade and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to ensure the TFP’s advancements, such as faster permit processing and maritime integration, benefit all members.