The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure better and more efficient entry operations to facilitate trade and enhance the fight against illicit trade.

Betty Maina, CS, Ministry of Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development: ''Our ports and other points of entry play a fundamental role in facilitating global trade. The development of these SOPs is therefore an integral part of a successful quality system. They will provide information to perform a job properly and consistently to achieve pre-determined specification and a quality end-result. I assure the private sector of government’s commitment to continue enhancing efficiencies and accountability during inspection, verification, and clearance of imported goods at our ports of entry. Sustaining the fight against various forms of illicit trade shall enhance the realization of the government’s Big 4 Agenda.''

Fridah Kaberia, Ag. Executive Director, Anti-Counterfeit Authority: ''The fight against illicit trade must be enhanced and intensified. We applaud KAM for developing the SOPS. This is an attempt to bring all actors to harmonize work and reduce delays for the benefit of agencies, and manufacturers.''

Mucai Kunyiha, Chairman, KAM: ''The lack of harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) emerged as a major bottleneck in the execution of various anti-illicit trade enforcement operations in the country. The implementation of these SOPs will assist to increase efficiency and accountability at the ports of entry whilst cutting down on costs and time involved in the importation process.''

The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will provide a one-stop reference for all government agencies tasked with ensuring efficiency and accountability in the inspection, verification, and clearance of imported cargo at the port and points of entry in Kenya.

In addition to the SOPs launch, the Association also published The Enforcement Manual, which serves as a quick reference point on matters illicit trade including protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights and the Practitioners Guide for Enforcement Officers on Combating Illicit Trade, which is currently in use as a reference tool that highlights the various forms of illicit trade in Kenya, the laws relating to the illicit trade in Kenya and the procedures for the investigation and prosecution of illicit trade.

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