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New Kifwa officials say to press for professionalism
A delegate follows proceedings during a Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) members meeting in Mombasa in this photo taken on February 20, 2018.
The newly elected leadership of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) has pledged to improve professionalism in the cargo handling sector.
New chairman Rajab Hamis said his team would also push for member welfare to curb abuse by the exploitative shipping lines.
“My priority is to push for the adoption of the Kenya Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders Bill 2020, which will streamline the industry. We need to ensure our association is anchored in law which is still in Parliament,” he said.
The Bill is drawn towards enhancing professionalism in service delivery and compliance with the existing regulations.
Mr Hamisi added: “Apart from pushing for the Bill in Parliament, I will focus on creating a savings and credit cooperative for members.
The new chairman takes over from Roy Mwanthi who had served in the position for four years. Mr Hamisi was rivalled in the election for the seat by Leonard Njiru. During the election, which was held concurrently in Mombasa and Nairobi, Musa Mbira was elected as vice chairman, Clement Ngala (Secretary), while Wycliffe Adel was elected as treasurer.
The new leadership takes over at a time when the government pushes for new regulations to self-regulate and weed out rogue players.
Since last year, the government has been keen on the licensing of the clearing and forwarding agents in its bid to eliminate rogue agents, bring sanity to the industry and increase tax collection.
Kifwa leadership has been keen to end cargo delays at ports, improve cargo flow, boost revenue collection by the revenue authorities and lower the cost of doing business and Mr Hamisi is expected to use his experience to achieve that.
The new chairman is also pushing for the implementation of the guidelines on minimum fees charged by clearing and forwarding agents aimed at streamlining and professionalising the industry.