The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has outlined a comprehensive plan to address the recent congestion and operational challenges reported at the Eldoret Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Depot following traders’ outcry. The concerns highlighted included system downtimes, truck congestion, and allegations of staff misconduct. In response, KRA engaged in a stakeholder meeting together with KPC and other relevant agencies, aiming to find immediate and sustainable solutions.
KRA announced that to ensure smooth resumption of operations, additional staff will be temporarily deployed at the depot to enhance service delivery and reduce disruptions. This step is part of a broader effort that includes finalising system integration and re-engineering of the transit process to improve overall efficiency. A notable feature retained from recent enhancements is the electronic monitoring sheet, which tracks truck processing and movement within the yard in real time. This transparency tool is intended to alleviate backlogs and prevent future delays by enabling all stakeholders to monitor the progress and status of each truck.
The tax authority also committed to thoroughly investigating any allegations of staff misconduct and undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary, reaffirming its dedication to professionalism, integrity, and accountability. KRA denied the claims made by protesting traders, stating that the temporary delays experienced on July 2 were due to a routine KPC system rollover that temporarily hampered the issuance of Bills of Lading (BOLs) until midday.
Significantly, KRA has implemented a ‘smart gate’ system at the Eldoret pipeline depot, a technology-driven solution aimed at expediting cargo clearance and eliminating long queues caused by manual processes. The smart gate requires transporters to book 24 hours in advance, with cargo pre-checks and verification conducted through electronic seals. The system transmits vital truck information—including cargo temperature and contents—in real time to a control room, thereby improving fleet management, traffic control, and truck turnaround times. This innovation forms part of KRA’s broader Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System that monitors cargo movement along the Northern Corridor, a vital trade artery connecting Kenya to neighbouring countries.
The integration of KRA and KPC digital systems reflects a significant overhaul of Kenya’s fuel logistics chain. This synergy between KPC’s SAP platform and KRA’s customs iCMS system aims to cut truck turnaround times at depots by up to 50%, addressing previous delays that could extend to 72 hours. This digital transformation replaces the cumbersome manual folder-based clearance with a streamlined online process where truck clearance data is submitted on a shared platform accessible to KPC, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), and KRA officers, facilitating real-time tracking, transparency, and accountability.
In parallel, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, under Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening KPC’s infrastructure across the country to enhance service delivery, meet rising demand, and support the ongoing digital reforms. This high-level engagement underscores the collaborative approach between government entities and stakeholders to boost operational efficiency and ensure seamless oil supply.
These coordinated efforts signify Kenya’s proactive response to longstanding operational bottlenecks at the Eldoret depot, demonstrating a move towards leveraging technology and inter-agency cooperation to support trade flow and improve service delivery to all stakeholders. KRA’s focus on transparency and accountability, combined with technological innovations like the smart gate and integrated systems, present a robust framework to prevent future congestion and delays at this crucial logistics hub.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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