Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Shipping Management & Logistics
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
Kenya
First Advisor
Grewal, Devinder.
Abstract
This research analyses the impact in Kenya of the use of the Kenya National Electronic Single Window System by trade stakeholders. The study investigates the role that the establishment of the Single Window System (SWS) plays in improving the efficiency of the cargo clearance process. It also analyses the benefits and challenges that the trade stakeholders have experienced from the onset of the SWS roll-out. This research highlights relevant issues related to trade facilitation and presents an overview on the SWS as one of the tools for trade facilitation. A review of the background of trade facilitation and the relevant international regulatory frameworks on the trade facilitation agreements is presented. A brief discussion on the types and models of SWS is presented along with their characteristics, benefits, challenges from all stakeholder perspectives. The principal objective of the study is to identify and evaluate the underlying issues in the implementation of SWS. The study therefore focuses on the Critical Success Factors (CSF) for the implementation of SWS, the importance of concrete policy and regulatory frameworks backing the SWS operations and the effects of the implementation of SWS on stakeholder business processes and operations. The successful establishment of SWS is highly dependent on the alignment of business and ICT strategy with policy and regulatory frameworks in place relating to international trade and customs. The policy frameworks will determine the technical operations of the SWS and financial model needed to sustain the operating agency.