KTA Grant Monthly report April 2013

The association's core objective is to improve the transport sector in Kenya, and this report highlights the key activities undertaken in April 2013. Advocacy efforts were a key focus area in April 2013. A meeting was held with the Mombasa County Governor on April 19, 2013, to discuss ways of improving traffic flow in the region. The meeting identified trucks parked by the roadside as a major contributor to traffic congestion and endangering lives. In response, KTA instructed its members to cooperate by removing all trucks parked by the roadside and adhering to traffic rules. This initiative is expected to mitigate delays in transport operations. KTA also participated in a one-day workshop on April 22, 2013, organized by the Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA) to review the inception report on the establishment of an online portal for trading in freight services (e-freightex) in East Africa. The inception report evaluated the viability of trading services such as terminal handling, cargo clearance, insurance, customs bond, IT solutions, agency/representation, brokerage, market intelligence, training, and consultancy on an e-portal. KTA was represented by the Chairman and the CEO at this meeting. A high-level breakfast meeting was also attended by KTA on April 2013 to discuss preparatory issues on the proposed presidential roundtable forum on the Port of Mombasa. The forum aims to address challenges bedeviling the port, including lack of sufficient investment, capacity constraints, slow cargo uptake, system downtime, inefficient utilization of yard capacity, and lack of a regulatory framework to govern port operations. Institutional development was another key area of focus in April 2013. KTA received the draft of the East Africa Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) Drivers Development curriculum, which was developed by a consultant hired by the USAID-COMPETE. The curriculum is currently being reviewed by the KTA Board of Directors in preparation for a review and validation workshop to be held in May. USAID-COMPETE also purchased equipment for the Institute, including laptops, a desktop computer, and an accounting package. The procurement process for the supply of remodelling and advertisement services for the Institute has commenced, with three potential suppliers identified. Member services were also a key focus area in April 2013. The ABC Bank has joined KTA as an associate member, which is expected to provide favorable asset financing options to KTA members. The ABC Bank membership application form was received by the KTA CEO at the Secretariat offices in Mombasa.