Plans are underway to ensure that Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services at Busia and Malaba One Stop Border Points(OSBP) are fully automated by January 2020, a plant inspector Erick Were has said.
Speaking during a stakeholders sensitisation forum at Busia Agricultural Training Centre on Thursday, Were said that the move is intended to conform to Government policy to have all services carried out online.
“All other border points including Namanga, Isebania and JKIA have already embraced the online operation system,” he said and added that Busia and Malaba border points were lagging behind because clearing agents are yet to be trained.
He explained that online transactions by clearing and forwarding agents will make work at the OSBP easier since the relevant departments will easily be able to access work done by others.
The official urged the agents to gradually embrace the digitization system and report to KEPHIS staff at the OSBP on any challenges they encounter.
The official at the same time disclosed that seed dealers will also be taken through automation procedures for seed clearing within three weeks.
Busia County Commissioner Jacob Narengo urged clearing and forwarding agents to ensure that all goods being imported into the country are safe.
Narengo pointed out that most cereals and fruits consumed in the county originated from Uganda and reiterated the need to assess the quality of such imports.
He further advised officials to ensure all plant materials and other imports pass through the OSBP for inspection to ensure the safety of the residents, environment and improved economy.
The forum was attended by clearing and forwarding agents and other relevant government departments.
By Salome Alwanda
