Factors influencing effectiveness in the execution of mandate of state regulatory and enforcement agencies within maritime trade in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of my research was to find out the Factors that are influencing effectiveness in the execution of Mandate of state regulatory and enforcement agencies within the maritime trade in Kenya. There are several state regulatory and enforcement agencies that are involved in international trade, and the nature of regulation differs amongst the state Agencies. The study thus sought to find out the nature of regulation within the maritime trade in Kenya and how this is integrated among the different agencies by reviewing the activities of ten state agencies. I conducted the research by making inference to ten state agencies involved in trade regulation and enforcement within the maritime trade through descriptive survey. The study used primary data collected through a semi-structured questionnaire to capture and review quantitative and qualitative aspects in the areas of focus. Using the primary data from the census survey, I was able to generate frequency tables and graphs which revealed the macro and micro organizational factors that influence the effectiveness in the execution of Mandate of the subject state agencies. Lack of proper ICT infrastructure and poor integration of a harmonized regulatory framework among the state agencies were noted to be a significant hindrance in trade facilitation. Bureaucracy and political interference were also found to have significant influence, and need to take a back stage in order to achieve better effectiveness of the state agencies for desired ease of doing business.