As part of an ongoing automation process, Kenya has launched a system that automates issuance of import and export services of key cash crops.Developed by the Agriculture and Food Authority of Kenya (AFA) and Trademark East Africa (TMEA), it is in line with the country’s digitisation agenda which last year saw the development of over 15 online systems in government agencies. According to Alban Odhiambo, TMEA senior director for trade environment, these automated processes not only reduce the costs and time taken to trade, but support efforts for green trade as paper use within government agencies is reduced.The latest system, named the AFA-Integrated Management Information System (AFA-IMIS), is an 8-in-1 Single Window Information for trade (SWIFT) system covering the certification and licensing of trade in cash crops including tea, coffee, nuts, oils, sugar, horticulture, f lowers, cotton, sisal, pyrethrum, food crops and other industrial crops. It will provide an efficient platform for delivery of technical and advisory services, market research, product development, regulations and compliance functions for export and import of the cash crops. “This system will help us serve the agriculture sector well. As AFA we are not only concerned with food that is coming into Kenya, but also food that is being produced in Kenya. Soon we will start surveillance on food grown in Kenya, like tomatoes, to enforce regulations on pesticide use and ensure food supplied to markets from our farms is fit for human consumption,” said Kello Harsama, director general of AFA.The system was funded by Denmark who contributed $1.37 million to the development.
