Most major airports have community systems for exchanging information between customers and national and other customs authorities. These systems are a form of one-stop shop for trading.

An airport community system, also known as a cargo community system, is a neutral and open electronic platform for intelligent and secure exchange of information between public and private actors to improve the competitive position of airport communities.

A cargo community system manages electronic communications at airports between private transport operators – airlines, agents, freight forwarders, transit hangars and carriers, private hinterland (before and during transport , usually by road), importers and exporters, airport authorities, customs and other government agencies.

The air cargo product mix at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has seen negligible improvement, with reliance on agro-perishables being the main driver.

With the emergence of e-commerce as a driver of air cargo product growth in more developed economies, it is not yet widely exploited locally despite the existing potential driven by exponentially growing youth demographics. and the ever-increasing penetration of mobile telephony. .

The unavailability of easily accessible data from a single source of truth is at the heart of this quagmire. In addition to confusion and frustration, information overload can also negatively impact the decision-making needed to influence purchase criteria.

Of course, there have been various developments in the automation of air cargo processing activities in the economy. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate, Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) are among the leading state agencies in facilitating trade through the organized exchange of data and information.

The KRA Integrated Customs Management System has been a game changer in trade facilitation when it comes to customs clearance processes.

Other developments include the Kenya Horticulture Integrated Management Information System by the Kenya Flower Council and the Fresh Produce Exporters Association. Their aim is to improve market information systems and provide trade links to exporters and farmers through a portal.

TradeMark East Africa, which has funded trade facilitation initiatives in partnership with public bodies such as KenTrade and private sector associations, would develop a Trade Link information portal.

The portal will facilitate international trade by ensuring in advance the provision of accurate documentation and 100% visibility of goods from origin to destination.

Faster cycles and delays in customs clearance and shipping processes are expected which will ultimately reduce the cost of doing business.

It is clear that data exists but needs to be collected and appropriately taxonomized in a more user-friendly and authoritative environment. In more developed economies, airports and civil aviation authorities have developed data exchange platforms. Enviable examples are the airports of Brussels and Amsterdam, which have very robust Community air cargo systems.

The JKIA engages stakeholders towards the creation of a community freight system with the integration and convergence of all relevant data for trade facilitation through a single portal.

Benchmarking and collaboration with more advanced airport systems will be required in the meantime. Airports play a pivotal role in improving and improving the hard and soft infrastructure environments in which businesses can thrive.

The next level of business transactions that will allow JKIA to compete as a freight forwarding and logistics hub for the East and Central Africa region requires a freight community system. Global sourcing and higher value chains require fast logistics environments that can only be enabled by a vibrant freight community system.

A JKIA community freight system would improve the business environment and facilitate trade by creating a platform where data is converged and easily accessible to the community.

As a trade facilitation agency, Kenya Airports Authority plans to provide a community-based cargo system by working closely with JKIA stakeholders to improve automation and digitalization of all cargo processing activities.

JKIA is confident in its ability to continue to adapt to dynamic markets and stakeholder needs to remain a competitive and dominant regional logistics hub.

Jacob Bwana, Ag. Managing Director Marketing and Business Development Kenya Airports Authority