Effect of Single Window System Procedures on Cargo Clearance Efficiency in Kenya: A Case for Mombasa Port

A Single Window Concept is a one-stop facility that allows exchange of information between all parties involved in trade across borders. It is aimed at reducing the complexity, time and costs of clearing goods at the ports. The Concept has been successfully implemented in Kenya in areas such as the Mombasa port, Jomo Kenyatta International airport, Moi International airport and Kenyan borders. The study sought to identify the Effect of Single Window System on cargo clearance efficiency at the port of Mombasa. In particular, to determine its effect on shipping procedures, Pre-clearance permits and Customs goods declaration procedures at the port of Mombasa. The study adopted a quantitative approach targeting a population of 155 respondents. Stratified sampling technique was used to get a sample size of 112 respondents. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with Likert scale measurement. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive as well as inferential statistics. The study found that Single Window concept has positive effect on Shipping procedures (p-value 0.952), Pre-clearance permits (p-value 0.861), Customs goods declaration procedures (p-value 0.950) and hence improved cargo clearance efficiency at the port of Mombasa. The study recommends more studies to be done on variables that affect cargo clearance efficiency at the port of Mombasa which were not covered under this study. Keywords: Concept, One-stop facility, Cargo clearance, Pre-clearance permits, Customs goods declarations, Regulatory agencies, Electronic cargo authentication.DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-24-11Publication date: August 31st 2019