Recommendations from  Transport Observatory Reports

Infrastructure Improvement at Malaba and Busia Borders: Invest in and enhance the infrastructure leading to the Busia border Wider road and parking area will contribute to a smoother flow of traffic, reducing congestion and delays at the border crossing There is need to geofence the already stablished roadside parking facilities and further develop the rest stops by county governments, especially in Busia and Malaba to handle traffic to and from the borders The County Government of Busia to prioritize completion of the envisioned truck parking yard to alleviate traffic at the border

Advocacy for infrastructure development and improvement ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

Kenya National Highway Authority

Uganda National Roads Authority

Ensure Functionality of Scanners: Address the issue of non-functional scanners by providing an alternate mobile scanner that is in good working condition Reliable scanning technology is crucial for accurate inspections and timely clearance of goods, contributing to an overall improvement in border efficiency

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Short-term

Uganda Revenue Authority

Compulsory Goods Pre-Clearance: Implement a mandatory goods pre-clearance process to expedite border crossing procedures This proactive approach will significantly reduce processing time and contribute to a more efficient flow of goods

Advocacy for Pre-Clearance

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

Uganda Revenue Authority

Rwanda Revenue Authority

Office Burundais Des Recettes

The Republic of South Sudan National Revenue Authority

With the development of SGR railway lines, there is a recommendation to have dry ports for various Member States to hasten the process of clearing of cargo from the port

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow-up with relevant stakeholders towards establishment of dry ports

VISA requirement hampering Trade in the region. Visa fees requirement should be abolished in all the Northern Corridor Member States to facilitate free movement of people

Pending for DRC and South Sudan

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant agencies towards eliminating visa fees in Member states of DRC and South Sudan

Traders/Clearing Agents should make preparations to pick their cargo from the port (pay their port charges and arrange transport for their cargo in advance).

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work closely with transport associations and Importers to sensitise members on preparations and its implications

To further minimise delays at ports and border stations for goods in transit whose taxes are not paid at the port or border stations the use of RCTG Carnet should be enhanced and used as a simplified customs declaration and bond security for goods declared in transit or for warehousing in destination countries. This should eliminate the necessity for the use of the conventional Bills of Entry for transiting goods.

Partially done

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders

To enhance quick response towards addressing operational challenges at the border stations, the NCTTCA Secretariat should support Member States in the formation of Cross Joint Border Committees at the key border stations where they do not exist. Furthermore, they should periodically generate and issue performance reports on the key border crossing performance indicators to the respective border stations as a way of monitoring performance. The Member States urged to provide the raw data to support the generation of the reports

Partially done; NCTTCA have established Cross Joint border committees in the Member States of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work towards establishing Cross Joint Border Committees in all border points

To enhance collection of data on informal trade by all Member States, the Member States which are not collecting data on informal trade urged to adopt the use of methodologies used by the other Member States to collect data on informal trade.

Ongoing activity

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to advocate for adoption of various methodologies for collection of data on informal trade

To effectively provide information to the users and potential investors as regards registration and licensing of businesses and transport companies, KRA, NTSA, URA and RRA should regularly put online the list of licensed trucks, Clearing Agents and ECTS within the region

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant agencies to have the recommendations implemented

To achieve the 120,000Km/year per truck, there is need to train truck drivers on productivity management. The drivers should be paid per millage covered to reduce unnecessary delays and wastages. The truck driver’s association to be involved in training

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with transporters association and have the recommendation implemented

Though the Northern Corridor pipeline is only up to Eldoret and Kisumu, it is evident that this reduces the trucking distance for transit countries if they pick the products from the nearest depots. There is need to fast track improvement of loading facilities to improve track turnaround and efficiency, and sensitising on the cost savings as a result of the expanded capacity of the pipeline to cushion on the unpredictability of the market

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

Kenya Pipeline Corporation

NCTTCA to follow-up with KPC to ascertain the current situation as well as influence for improvement of loading facilities and other measures recommended

There should be identification of trucks on first weighing (certificate of identification on compliance) to avoid multiple stops at the weighbridges and a comprehensive sensitisation of truck drivers on weighing

It is understood that with the introduction of HSWIM, the trucks are only diverted to static weighbridge if they are not compliant with HSWIM.

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

Consider measuring the number of stoppages per truck to ascertain if there is frequent weighing of trucks.

There should be a common platform of ECTS in the region as this will ensure cargo integrity and seamless monitoring of transit goods from the origin to the final destination. Data from ECTS to collaborate the GPS survey initiative; Currently, only Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda are using the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System. All the Northern Corridor Member States should join this initiative as goods under RECTS take shorter transit and clearance time

Partially Done: Done for Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda; Pending for DRC, Burundi & South Sudan

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up for RECTS to cover Member states of DRC, Burundi and South Sudan

There should also be sensitisation on regulations and procedures for clearance through customs and immigration; Digital scanner is necessary to minimise delays or easy verification of goods at the border stations

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders and ensure the recommendations are implemented

There is still longer waiting time at Malaba Border post; Full implementation of the Single Customs Territory should be expedited

Good progress observed

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to ascertain the recurring queue at that border is adequately addressed

There is reported problem of parking of trucks in major towns and therefore need for relevant authorities to look into creating more parking yards for trucks as well as reduce parking fees

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to follow up with relevant stakeholders to have this recommendation implemented

There is reported higher OSBP crossing time at Malaba border. These delays reverse the gains made by OSBP and SCT initiatives calling for enhanced systems connectivity and provision of enough parking yards at the border to reduce congestion. Also, there is a need to do border audit to identify any other bottlenecks affecting the flow of traffic and if need be, review standard operating procedures and removal of duplicate procedures

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to carry out audits at the borders to ascertain the causes of delays and identify areas of improvements

There is need to upgrade the border stations of Lwakhakha, Suam River and Amudat and the road network leading to these border stations

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant authorities

There is need to pursue computerisation where border post is not yet computerised to hasten clearance processes

Most OSBPS have been computerised

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to do an assessment of all borders and lobby for computerisation where the borders have not been computerised

There is need to harmonise levies and fees being charged along the corridor—sensitisation of truckers through issuance of information brochures on official charges

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

No sensitisation has ever been carried out

There is need to adopt a single transit system for the Northern Corridor for clearance of internationally traded goods as recommended by earlier studies to address this problem. The transit system should encompass a simplified customs declaration as well as customs bonding of goods. The system should also provide a facility for the use of a Carnet

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders and have this implemented

There is a need to harmonise the charges and penalties for non-compliance on the weighbridges along the NC routes

Pending: Road Agencies

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA needs to follow up with the relevant agencies to have the recommendation implemented

There is a need to follow up and ensure time at DPC is reduced from the current reported time. DPC time affects the overall logistics performance and time it takes to move cargo from one point to another.

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to investigate the cause of DPC time and work with stakeholders towards reducing this time.

There is a need for the full implementation of the WTO-TFA, the African CFTA and other trade and transport facilitation instruments to enable countries to increase their competitiveness and enhance economic growth and development

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work with the stakeholders to have recommendation fast-tracked

There is a need for further improvement of operations at the ICD for faster evacuation of goods moved under the railway

Done

Invalid date

Completed

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to do follow up and confirm implementation of this recommendation

The transporters should be allowed to acquire the R-ECTS devices, and the Customs Authorities retain the the function of operating them, i.e. arming/disarming the seals and tracking movement of the sealed cargo; Geo zone/fence the R-ECTS with the key transit nodes along the Northern Corridor

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up recommendation with customs authorities in Member States

The traders and transporters are therefore to act swiftly to ensure faster evacuation of their cargo from the port after clearance to reduce time wastage as a result of laxities on their side

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with transporters association to influence their members to evacuate cargo to reduce delays.

The single transit system will also eliminate the challenges of clearance and exchange of information across the region being faced by interconnectivity of customs business systems

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders and have this implemented

The road use charges have not been harmonised across the Member States of the Northern Corridor, and this contributes to the high cost of transport

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to follow up with relevant stakeholders to have this recommendation implemented

The report recommended to the Government of South Sudan and the development partners to support South Sudan National Revenue Authority to construct a dry port at Nesitu to minimise congestion and delays in clearance of goods for Home use at Nimule Border

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to follow up with the Government of South Sudan and lobby other development partners to have the dry port is established

The report advocates for the increase in cargo off-take by rail and utilising the ICDs to ease pressure on the overstretched road infrastructure and enhance safety along the Northern Corridor

Partially done: Kenya has directed most of the local cargo be transported via SGR

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work closely with stakeholders towards advocating for more cargo be transported via SGR to ease congestions on the roads

The regional countries are facing trade deficit while imports are increasing with minimal exports. The Member States are to prioritise boosting investments and value addition for exports and capacity building, especially in agro-processing, mining, oil and gas industry which is posed to boost exports from the region.

Ongoing as a long-term activity. Member States are at a different level of implementation.

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work closely with relevant agencies and device ways of promoting investments and capacity building geared towards addressing trade deficit

The region trades more with the outside world than within. The potential in the region can be unlocked if we boost intra-regional trade. Elimination of visas as stipulated the Northern corridor transit and Transport Agreement and mutual recognition of standards. The index for the ease of doing business in the region is high. Countries need to support and ease procedures in doing business across the region; Also, implementation of trade facilitation instruments varies by country and therefore affecting smooth cross-border trade. Thus, the need for all Northern Corridor Member States to implement fully trade facilitation instruments that exist already.

Ongoing in some Member States; Member States are at a different level of implementation.

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders to implement the recommendations towards promoting intra-regional trade in the region.

The quality of the infrastructure is a key consideration in the achievement of the region’s development goals. Regular monitoring of the conditions at a regional level to provide information on the sections for prioritisation in improvement. Widening of the Corridor and development of climbing lanes, were necessary, as a result of increased traffic will help improve in the transit times hence accelerating trade. Most of Northern Corridor is a two-lane road, and speed reduction and necessity of overtaking at uphill paths since large vehicle’s speed reduces at uphill paths. All the Member states should work towards improving the Northern Corridor and should also focus on the development of the roadside stations with all the amenities. These will also be important in improving road safety, reducing driver fatigue, thereby reducing accidents

Partially done; It’s a continuous process

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to continue working with road authorities to monitor road condition and implementing measures towards ensuring quality infrastructure

The port dwell time is dependent on other indicators such as the time taken at one stop centre, time taken at the Document Processing Centre and time taken within the port after customs release. Intervening in the under this these indicators will automatically reduce the port dwell time; In as much as improvement has been registered, the target for the dwell time has not been achieved. Dwell time is affected by many players within the port ranging from the Revenue authority since goods cannot leave without their clearance and other cargo interveners. The free period which is nine days, also has an impact on faster cargo is evacuated from the port. An approach informed by analytics should show how to balance between free period and the dwell time target to inform the review process.

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow-up with relevant stakeholders and address delays as a result of indicators that falls within the dwell time indicator

The pipeline transportation policy which was lifted sometimes back so the decline in the off-take of fuel by the pipeline. This coupled with constraints on the lines as well as ullage issue where only big players are allocated quotas locking out smaller oil marketers have seen most business taken by the tracking companies. This has posed safety issues and congestions along the Northern Corridor.

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

Kenya Pipeline Corporation

NCTTCA to follow-up with KPC on the policy

The pipeline capacity has tremendously been increased, and the loading bottleneck at the depot have been addressed. Additionally, the pipeline is also upgrading its systems shifting to digital systems that seek to enhance efficiency as it helps ease congestion on the main Northern Corridor highway. There is need to sensitise transit market of the achievements and facilities available

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to invest more efforts in this programme and continue with the reporting on Green Freight Programs and advocating implementation by Member States

The indicator on time taken after release at the port shows that traders and transporters should, therefore, act swiftly as fast as possible to ensure faster evacuation of their cargo from the port after clearance to reduce time wastage as a result of laxities on their side

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with transporters association to influence their members to evacuate cargo to reduce delays.

The current meter gauge Rail transport has declined in terms of capacity though there are plans to improve. The Standard gauge railway (SGR), with the first phase from Mombasa to Nairobi complete, will present an opportunity for increase in trade and uptake of cargo by the railway. The Standard Gauge Railway has no railway sidings. Therefore the existing meter gauge railway should be revitalised to provide connections for transportation and delivery of cargo beyond the SGR terminals

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow-up with Railways Transport agencies towards implementation of the recommendation

The container deposit fees charged by the shippers and the free period given should be revised to enhance containerised transport.

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to follow-up and lobby for this to be implemented

The Policy Guidelines on surface modes of transport should be updated. A regional policy should be prepared, taking into account the clear advantages of each mode in minimising public costs, safety and the environment

Done

Invalid date

Completed

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow-up with KPC on the policy

The OSBP in plan should look at including LAN & WAN infrastructure in the build with power backup systems as mitigation for outages due to heavy rains and power

The OSBPs have been fitted with internet connections.

Invalid date

Completed

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA Need to follow up to include power backups and also ascertain the actual position in terms of internet connectivity

The Northern Corridor Member States should strive to ensure that all weighbridges are HSWIM and install the static scales on either side of the road at busy weighbridge stations.

Done

Invalid date

Completed

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up and have all weighbridges in Kenya have HSWIM

The Northern Corridor Member States are urged to ease the process of granting work permits to trade facilitation agents in their countries as per the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Agreement to enable them to work efficiently and minimise delays of evacuation of cargo from the port

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with transporters association to influence their members to evacuate cargo to reduce delays.

The Member states are urged to harmonise the use of the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime instruments to support small scale cross border trade such as the simplified Certificate of Origin, Simplified Customs Declaration and value limit for goods cleared using the instruments to at least US $ 2000 per consignment

Done in some Member States and ongoing in others

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant agencies to have this recommendation implemented.

Support in strengthening the logistics industry environment in the Member states

Partially done in some Member States; and Ongoing in others

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work with Transport Association and identify areas of interventions towards strengthening the logistics industry environment

Stoppage Reasons: In-depth analysis for the personal reasons stoppage by truckers is needed. This includes knowing exact personal reasons as well as specific points where stoppages do occur along the corridor. Therefore, the report recommends a survey to be conducted to inform policy on addressing these delays.

Ongoing (with the online data collection using mobile phones)

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA needs to come up with a mechanism of breaking down activities under personal reasons which contributes much on delays and a mechanism on how to address and reduce the delays

Stakeholders should be sensitised on the operations of the SGR and the procedures for handling and clearance of cargo by the SGR which is to be trans-shipped in Nairobi should be developed and circulated to stakeholders to support smooth intermodal transport interchange.

Most of the traders are aware of the procedures

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work with stakeholders and come up with ways of sensitising traders and other stakeholders on the operations of SGR and procedures for handling and clearance of cargo by SGR.

Sensitisation on regulations and procedures for clearance through customs and immigration

Most traders are informed on regulations and procedures.

Invalid date

Completed

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to work closely with other stakeholders and come up with a strategy of sensitising traders and other stakeholders on regulations and procedures for clearance.

Sensitisation of truckers through issuance of information brochures and on official charges

Most truckers are aware of current charges, but always get unawares when new charges are introduced

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work closely with stakeholders and device means of sharing information with stakeholders efficiently and on time. Consider coming up with information trade portal.

Sensitisation of drivers/transporters on legal and illegal charges

No Sensitisation has been done; However, most truckers are informed on legal and illegal charges

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work closely with stakeholders and device means of sharing information with stakeholders efficiently and on time. Consider coming up with information trade portal

Secretariat to conduct an impact assessment of the corridor to establish the current transport cost

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

There is a need to conduct an assessment to ascertain transport cost along the NC

Roll out of driver training program and sensitisation to reduce accidents along the corridor

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up and implement with the relevant stakeholders

Regional Customs Transit Bond should be used for all goods whose taxes are not paid to minimise fresh declarations and bonding of goods at border stations which contributes significantly to the border crossing time and delays. Furthermore, Member States should recognise the RCTG bond executed by forwarders in the other Member States

RCTG not fully implemented yet.

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders and have this implemented.

Put in place vehicle and axle load controls; set up a Weighbridge along the Nimule – Juba road is getting damaged due to overloaded trucks

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

Ministry of Transport Roads and Bridges - South Sudan

No weighbridge in South Sudan

Put in place multiple weighing lanes at busy sections of the corridor such as at Athi-river and Mariakani to reduce traffic congestion at these weighbridge stations.

Kenya upgraded most weighbridges

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up to have weighbridges upgraded in Uganda

One major point of focus is to use proper maintenance approaches/strategies. It was noted that the use of performance-based maintenance contracts was working well in Kenya, and it is recommended for all the Member States to adopt this strategy along the Northern Corridor. Furthermore, it is recommended that newly upgraded roads be resealed after six years to prolong their life spans.

Ongoing; It’s a continuous process

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to share the concept of performance-based maintenance contracts with other Member States

Need for driving hours to be regulated to enhance road safety

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work with relevant stakeholders and transport association to implement the recommendation

Member states are urged to give priority to expansion of railways transport infrastructure development along the corridor. Also, to be given priority is expansion of Inland waterways network

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to do follow up and confirm implementation of this recommendation

Member States should prioritise the rehabilitation of the sections under the Northern Corridor which have continued to deteriorate over the past years. These sections have led to the delays and even increase the cost of maintaining the vehicles using these sections of the roads hence raising the cost of doing business, thereby affecting the flow of intraregional trade. Furthermore, with the signing of the African CFTA, Member States should work towards development of intercontinental transport infrastructure networks to facilitate intercontinental trade. In light of the growing volumes of cargo across the key traditional borders, there is need to open up new trade routes and border stations to support trade across the borders, reduce distances to the border for trading communities where these roads pass and to decongest the traditional borders.

Ongoing as a continuous activity

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders to have the recommendations implemented

Member States are urged to automate collection of informal cross border trade statistics they are encouraged to benchmark with Rwanda which has started implementation

Ongoing activity

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to advocate for adoption of various methodologies for collection of data on informal trade

Member States are called upon to implement Article 43 of the NCTTA, which calls for elimination of visa fees

Pending for DRC and South Sudan

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant agencies towards eliminating visa fees in Member states of DRC and South Sudan

Liberalisation would create a more competitive haulage sector as well as reduce the overall cost of transport. The Member States should work towards reviewing their trade policies on intra-regional trade to support the creation of backhaul cargo for transporters

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up and ensure the recommendation is implemented

Lack of backhaul is a factor that contributes to high transport rates in the region. There is need to expedite approval procedures for acquisition of permit to transport cargo to the local market by transit licensed trucks.

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to follow-up and lobby

It was reported that there is a lot of congestion at the Nairobi ICD and high trucks turnaround time. Currently, there is one gate for exports and empty containers. It was recommended that KPA need to create additional gates to reduce congestion at the ICD-N.

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to liaise with KPA to have this problem address through the implementation of the recommendation

It was recommended that South Sudan should automate its customs business processes to expedite clearance of internationally traded goods with a proposal that the automation process is carried out in phases.

The processes of automating customs processes in South Sudan is currently ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

The Republic of South Sudan National Revenue Authority

NCTTCA need to play a critical role in ensuring the customs processes have been automated

It is recommended that efforts should be made to explore opening another border station between Uganda and Kenya, preferably located between Busia and shores of Lake Victoria to ease flow of goods between the two countries. The capacity of Malaba and Busia border station which handle goods heading towards the transit route through Kampala is becoming overstretched

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to recommend to agencies concern

It is recommended that all Member States work towards having all weighbridges high-speed weigh-in-motion and on either side of the road, especially at busy sections of the corridor as well as implementing remotely monitored virtual weighbridges to avoid stopping trucks unnecessarily

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up to have weighbridges upgraded in Uganda; NCTTCA to follow up and have all weighbridges in Kenya have HSWIM.

Issue 13 recommended the need for single window systems to be integrated across the region

Single window adopted in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

Need to synchronise all single windows

Increased use of containers would be more appropriate to reduce costs related to both imports and exports to and from the port

NCTTCA to continue monitoring the use of containers.

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to continue monitoring the use of containers.

Improvement in the logistics in Rwanda and promotion of market competition will ultimately reduce transport rates in Rwanda.

Ongoing: NCTTCA need to follow-up

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to follow-up

Improve on the cargo handling facilities and procedures for receipt of goods at ICD’s and bonded warehouses. The implication is that there are delays in receiving of cargo in the inland cargo storage areas (ICD’s and bonded warehouses) and delays in cancellation of transit bonds for goods which have reached their destinations. The delays are a sign of inefficiencies at the ICD’s and bonded warehouses, which causes delays in offloading goods from trucks, thereby affecting their turnaround time.

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant agencies towards enhancing operations at ICDs

Implementation of the Regional Customs Transit Guarantee and Single Customs Declaration form for the region and other Trade facilitation instruments

Some trade facilitation instruments not implemented yet.

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders and have this implemented

Implementation of the International Maritime Traffic (FAL) Convention by reducing paperwork, simplifying formalities, documentary requirements and procedures associated with the arrival, stay and departure of ships engaged on international voyages is crucial.

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant agencies

High transports rates and hidden cost: involvement of other stakeholders like police and County Governments to address issues of the hidden costs. It is incumbent upon policymakers on routes that return high costs to work on eliminating the logistical and infrastructural bottlenecks that may exist. Members States should address the issues that lead to higher transport costs for journeys which are shorter than the other

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to follow-up and lobby

High transports are an impediment to trade, it incumbent upon policymakers on routes that return high costs to work on eliminating the logistical and infrastructural bottlenecks that may exist. Transport rates have increased to some destinations, including Bujumbura. This could be attributed to various factors among them the longer route that has been in use in comparison to another shorter route through the central corridor. Sensitisation on the use of the alternative route through Tanzania via Voi-Taita Taveta which reduces the distance travelled from Mombasa is underway. This will boost the use of the Port of Mombasa for goods to and from Burundi.

Partially done; Survey of the shortest route to Bujumbura via Taveta/Holili was carried out as well as sensitisation was done in Bujumbura

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to enhance more sensitisation to stakeholders in Burundi and Rwanda and lobby to have smooth clearance at the borders with Tanzania

Furthermore, transport links for accessing and evacuation of cargo at the SGR terminal at Embakasi ICD – Nairobi should be developed to enhance efficiency of the ICD in cargo evacuation. Furthermore, transport services at the SGR terminals should be streamlined to eliminate or minimise need for fresh customs documentation at the SGR terminals once cargo has been documented at the stations/points of origin.

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work with stakeholders and come up with ways of sensitising traders and other stakeholders on the operations of SGR and procedures for handling and clearance of cargo by SGR.

For sustainable transport, Member States are urged to implement the Green Freight Program

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to invest more efforts in this programme and continue with the reporting on Green Freight Programs and advocating implementation by Member States

Follow-up to ensure that transit trucks are only weighed twice at the Point of Entry

It is understood that with the introduction of HSWIM, the trucks are only diverted to static weighbridge if they are not compliant with HSWIM

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to keep monitoring and ensuring there are no many delays associated with the frequent weighing of trucks.

Fast-tracking implementation of the roadside stations with amenities would minimise unnecessary multiple stops. It will also reduce driver fatigue, which is also a major course of accidents along the corridor

Partially done

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up towards complete implementation of the roadside stations

Enhancing the Northern Corridor Transport Observatory Portal to capture the cost of doing business and intraregional trade.

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work on establishing a portal.

Digital scanner is necessary to minimise delays or easy verification of goods at the border stations

Scanners installed in some of the borders especially on OSBPs

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA need to ascertain exact position in all the borders; Recommend and follow up to ensure digital scanners have been installed where scanners do not exist

Different transport costs characterise different modes of transport since each has its capacity limitations and operational conditions. When two or more modes are directly competing for the same market, the outcome often results in lower transport costs. Investing in rail will ultimately reduce the cost of doing business.

Kenya has invested in SGR as an alternative mode of transport hence enhancing competition and reducing transport costs

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

Other member states starting with Uganda to consider enhancing railway as an alternative mode of transport

Development partners to support South Sudan and DR Congo in developing/improving the road network where 95 % and 81% of the networks are in bad conditions, respectively

NCTTCA has been working closely with relevant agencies towards sourcing for funds for use in improving road conditions

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to continue working closely with road agencies towards seeking for funds towards improving road conditions

Development of the new Terminal Operating System (TOS) and Truck Appointment System (TAS) should be expedited to enhance container handling and truck turnarounds time at the port Terminal to ease congestion at the port and its environs.

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with KPA to ascertain exact position and lobby to have it expedited

Development of harmonised road safety strategy in the region: this involves the development of a road crash database. Sharing of experience across the agencies involved in road safety matters should be encouraged as well as the roll-out of the driver training program and sensitisation to reduce accidents along the corridor. All the member countries should have strict enforcement of traffic laws. Fast-tracking implementation of the Roadside Stations with amenities would minimise unnecessary multiple stops made by drivers along the corridor. It will also avail resting places for drivers to reduce driver fatigue which is also a major cause of accidents along the corridor

Ongoing in some Member States and Partially done in others

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up and implement with the relevant stakeholders

Development of harmonised road safety strategy in the region- this should also involve the development of a road crash database. Need for sharing of experience across the agencies involved in road safety matters. Roll out the driver training program and sensitisation to reduce accidents along the corridor

Ongoing in some Member States and partially done in others

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up and implement with the relevant stakeholders

Delegates recommend that NCTTCA should advocate for reopening of the Kisumu-Jinja-Port Bell waterway to boost trade between Kisumu and Jinja

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant authorities and advocate for the reopening

Delay at document process centre calls for sensitisation of clearing agents on proper and timely submission, and automated documents processing would be an instrument in lowering the time taken to process the documents

Ongoing

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to work closely with transport associations and clearing agents towards sensitising on timely submission of clearing documents and automated documents processing towards lowering the time taken at DPCs

Customs should approve ship manifests (partial manifests) before the arrival of vessels at Mombasa Port to facilitate pre-declaration of goods by Traders/Clearing Agents

Ongoing (under the CMS)

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with KPA and customs authorities to implement pre-clearance

Challenge in exchanging information and tracking of cargo: To promote exchange of information across the borders, the Northern Corridor Member States should expedite the implementation of a Regional Unique Consignment Reference (R-UCR)

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with relevant stakeholders

Assist shippers in understanding the impact of last-minute changes, including late lodging or amendment of a manifest, on overall logistic chain performance

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to come up with a way of sensitising stakeholders on the impact.

Another factor that is increasing the cost of business in the region is the monopoly of shipping lines that also acts as clearing agents and transporters that kills competition in the region. There is need to consider the possibility of having a competition body to regulate the industry and guard against monopoly tendencies and price fixing

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up

Among the challenges experienced by railways are ageing tracks and rolling stock, insufficient resources for maintenance and poor tracking of the wagons and cargo. Inadequate number of locomotives and wagons, poor rail infrastructure for the meter gauge has slowed down development within the Northern Corridor rail freight transport sector. With the advent of the SGR, incentives policies on pricing, regulations and standards should be developed to attract modal shift. Increasing rail competitiveness will benefit transport users primarily through; reducing transit times, improving connections, and improving quality and affordability, and therefore contributing to greening the corridor.

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to follow up with railways agencies in Kenya and Uganda towards developing incentives policies on pricing, regulations and standards

Amidst the increased trade within the Northern Corridor, member countries should rely more heavily on containers to transport goods due to its limited ability to be tampered with while in transit, the ease in shipment on regular shipping lines and ease in cargo tallying

NCTTCA to continue monitoring the use of containers

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to continue monitoring the use of containers

Agencies involved in clearing or handling of goods are encouraged to develop and implement stakeholder’s engagement strategy. This will ensure that problem is identified as early as possible and communication passed to their customers appropriately

Pending

Invalid date

Pending

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to come up with a strategy on how clearing agents can communicate seamlessly with the traders

A higher percentage of roads are in poor condition in the region. Member States to prioritise the road infrastructure development along the corridor

Partially done

Invalid date

Ongoing

Invalid date

Long-term

NCTTCA to continue working closely with road agencies towards seeking for funds towards improving road conditions

Upgrade Customs Systems

Most custom systems are upgraded

Ongoing

Long-term

Awaits KRA to finalise upgrading of Customs system

Uganda should consider expanding goods cleared under SCT and work towards full roll-out. It will also minimise diversion of goods in transit. Border crossing time has been seen as the second cause of delays

Goods to Uganda and Rwanda are cleared under SCT

Ongoing

Long-term

Need to sensitise more traders to have their goods cleared under SCT

There is a need to involve police officers in validation workshops and any other activities of the northern corridor. This will enable them to get to know and appreciate the need to ensure trade facilitation along the corridor

Partially done

Ongoing

Long-term

Partially done

There is a need for NCTTCA to work closely with stakeholders to establish one stop inspection centre to centralise inspection processes

Partially Done

Ongoing

Long-term

NCTTCA need to come up with a strategy on how to implement the recommendation

The NCTTCA Secretariat should roll out Performance Dashboards to Member States urged to provide data on a monthly basis to the Secretariat to enable this roll out to take place.

Ongoing Stakeholders: All data providers for the weekly dashboard

Ongoing

Long-term

OBR is providing weekly data but not sufficient to report on a weekly basis, can consider monthly reporting

Stakeholders should provide the raw data as required by the Secretariat at least once a week and on a monthly basis as agreed to enhance efficiency and consistency in reporting.

Ongoing

Ongoing

Long-term

Kenya National Highway Authority

Kenya Revenue Authority

Kenya Ports Authority

Direction Generale Des Douanes Et Accises

The Republic of South Sudan National Revenue Authority

Office Burundais Des Recettes

Uganda Revenue Authority

Rwanda Revenue Authority

Follow up with URA to share ASYCUDA data on a weekly basis.

Stakeholders are requested to continue providing the Secretariat with data on a timely basis to improve monitoring of the corridor performance and enhance reliability

Ongoing

Ongoing

Long-term

Kenya National Highway Authority

Kenya Revenue Authority

Uganda Revenue Authority

Rwanda Revenue Authority

The Republic of South Sudan National Revenue Authority

Office Burundais Des Recettes

Kenya Ports Authority

Direction Generale Des Douanes Et Accises

Follow up with URA to share ASYCUDA data on a weekly basis

Sensitisation of transporters on GPS survey and identify other possible sources of GPS data

No GPS data being collected

Pending

Long-term

Rwanda Revenue Authority

Kenya Revenue Authority

Uganda Revenue Authority

Pursue access to RECTS for data as well as enhancing mobile data collection

NCTTCA to liaise with stakeholders and carry out Axle load self-compliance campaigns.

Done Partially Stakeholders: Road Agencies, Ministry of Roads in Member states

Pending

Long-term

Done Partially

Member states to fully domesticate the provisions of the EAC vehicle load control bill

Done Partially Stakeholders: Road Agencies, Ministry of Roads in Member states

Ongoing

Long-term

Done Partially

Linking stakeholder’s ICT systems with observatory to enhance seamless transmission of data

Pending

Pending

Long-term

Kenya Revenue Authority

Office Burundais Des Recettes

Rwanda Revenue Authority

Kenya National Highway Authority

Uganda National Roads Authority

NCTTCA to engage stakeholders to sell the idea before actual implementation of API

It was reported there exist many police roadblocks along the Northern Corridor routes which contribute to a lot of delays in the movement of cargo. There is a need to carry out campaigns to sensitise all players and stakeholders on trade facilitation and the need to accord special treatment to transit trucks once they are cleared.

Partially done

Ongoing

Long-term

NCTTCA need to come up with a strategy on how to implement the recommendation

In Uganda, it is evident that weighbridge axle compliance has not been fully achieved at most of the weighbridges. This calls for roll-out and implementation of VLC by all stakeholders and the roll-out of the media communication campaign against overloading

NCTTCA need to work closely with UNRA and Ministry of Transport in Uganda to carry out sensitisation and roll out Axle load self-compliance campaigns

Ongoing

Long-term

NCTTCA need to work closely with UNRA and Ministry of Transport in Uganda to carry out sensitisation and roll out Axle load self-compliance campaigns

Implementation of the voluntary vehicle load control charter should be fast-tracked, and awareness campaigns extended along the corridor to cover all the Member States

Done Partially Stakeholders: Road Agencies, Ministry of Roads in Member states

Ongoing

Long-term

Done Partially

Full implementation of the presidential directive on the removal of all roadblocks and police checks.

There still exist roadblocks and police check along the Northern Corridor

Pending

Long-term

Carry out a survey to ascertain the exact position on the roadblocks along the NC routes

Education and sensitisation of shippers on existing regulations to enhance compliance at weighbridges in Uganda is required

Done Partially Stakeholders: Road Agencies, Ministry of Roads in Member states

Ongoing

Long-term

Done Partially

Develop a “culture of compliance” among shippers, logistics chain providers, and Government entities. Broad initiatives such as the signatories to the Port Community Charter at Mombasa would provide appropriate forums

Done Partially Stakeholders: Road Agencies, Ministry of Roads in Member states

Ongoing

Long-term

Done Partially

DRC and South Sudan should consider joining the Single Customs Territory (SCT) for clearance of goods as the benefits are many, including faster clearance and movement of goods.

Stakeholders: Customs Authorities

Pending

Long-term

NCTTCA to recommend and influence to have goods for DRC and SS cleared under SCT

Automation of data transfer should be embraced by stakeholders to ensure delays and other related challenges are reduced

Ongoing

Ongoing

Long-term

Kenya National Highway Authority

Kenya Ports Authority

Uganda Revenue Authority

Rwanda Revenue Authority

Follow up with URA, KeNHA, KPA & RRA to have data sharing automated.

Also, there is a need to sensitise traffic police officers along the Northern Corridor understand trade facilitation, and be able to facilitate transit trucks rather than stopping them

Partially done

Ongoing

Long-term

NCTTCA need to come up with a strategy on how to implement the recommendation

All stakeholders and especially those involved in the movement of cargo along the corridor to take up sensitisation campaigns on axle load compliance

Done Partially Stakeholders: Road Agencies, Ministry of Roads in Member states

Ongoing

Long-term

Done partially

Advocate for voluntary weight compliance across the region- Axle load compliance campaign

Done Partially Stakeholders: Road Agencies, Ministry of Roads in Member states

Ongoing

Long-term

Done Partially