The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has started its second phase of fully computerizing  cargo handlimg. The move is aimed at reducing delays in clearance of ships at the port, a statement from KPA says.

All containers, conventional, inland container depot at Nairobi and Kisumu and marines operations are also to be automated.

"Automation is a cost to to be incurred by Kenya Ports Authority. It will not increase costs but rather increase efficiency in service delivery and value addition,” said William Mutengo, the regional resident representative, KPA in Kampala. To provide efficient services, international transport firms and port organisations are computerising.

"We had no choice but to invest in technology because the use of technology has become an essential part of the rapid and accurate transfer and processing of enormous volumes of data.

In the first stage of the project, KPA undertook a study of its business processes and later developed user requirements.

The next stage involved the system construction and the third stage involved training of super –users (KPA officials) and end –users.

The end users include Clearing and Forwarding agents and officials from other agencies involved in service provision around the port.

Meanwhile media reports say KPA is calling for patience from its customers over the teething problems experienced by the new cargo handling system —the KWATOS.

"Teething problems are expected before the system fully stabilises in two to three months from now,’’ Capt Twalib Khamis, the Harbour Master & Chief Operations Manager is quoted by Business Daily Africa.

Capt Khamis argues that the implementation of the new system has largely been a major success and the problems encountered are easily containable and are being sorted out.

Ends