Impact of adoption of customs electronic procedures by clearing and forwarding agents in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the extent to which Clearing and Forwarding agents in Nairobi have adopted Customs Electronic Procedures. Specific objectives were to determine the extent to which Clearing and Forwarding agents have adopted Customs Electronic Procedures; identify the challenges of adopting Customs Electronic procedures as well as establish how the adoption of Customs Electronic Procedures has facilitated trade. This study used a descriptive survey method, in finding out how electronic lodgment of Customs entries affects trade facilitation. The target population of this research consisted of 350 clearing and forwarding firms based in Nairobi out of the 962 licensed in Kenya. This study used stratified sampling technique, which was appropriate in coming up with a sample for the study. This is because the population to be studied is heterogeneous. Stratified random sampling technique was considered for each clearing and forwarding company, since each company is unique with its own characteristics. The researcher used both primary and secondary sources of information to collect the data. The secondary data was obtained from company profiles and records from Customs department. Primary sources entailed the use of semi-structured questionnaires comprising of both open-ended and closed-ended questions completed by target respondents in the clearing and forwarding sector of the economy