Kenya has rolled out an electronic cargo clearance system that aims to speed up the processing and movement of goods to other countries within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) region.
The Comesa Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) is a fully web-based platform that replaces the manual documentation system, which was often slow, cumbersome and time-consuming. Through the new platform, traders can now apply for, issue, exchange and verify Certificates of Origin online, easing trade between Kenya and over 21 Comesa member states.
A Certificate of Origin is an essential export document that confirms the country where goods are grown, manufactured or produced.
The electronic system was first introduced at the regional level in November 2024 by Eswatini, Malawi and Zambia as pilot countries. Zimbabwe and Kenya have now joined the programme, bringing the number of participating member states to 21, while other countries are in the process of integrating the system.
“This launch is a signal that Kenya is ready to drive forward digital transformation, regional integration, and continental unity,” said Regina Akoth Ombam, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in a speech read on her behalf by Timothy Were, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Trade.
The Kenya Revenue Authority will handle the registration of exporters, issuance and verification of the electronic certificates. The Comesa Secretariat will offer technical assistance and guidance on implementation whenever needed by member states.
COMESA sees this development as a major step forward in trade facilitation, providing customs authorities with a stronger system for verifying certifications and enabling improved oversight of goods crossing national borders.