The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) have jointly proposed a Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), also known as the National Electronic Single Window System, to handle clearances for petroleum, LPG and coal consignments at Kenya’s border entry points.

Under the framework, importers, exporters, clearing agents and licensed transporters would submit all required documents and cargo journey plans electronically, while EPRA officers would verify licences in real time.

The rollout is planned in phases, with the first phase covering petroleum and LPG consignments; coal clearance will be added later.

Regional sensitisation and public participation forums are being held in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru and Meru to explain the proposed procedures and collect feedback from industry players.

No mandatory start date has been announced; EPRA says the date will be set after stakeholder consultations and preparatory steps are completed.

Businesses operating in the fuel, LPG and coal sectors are advised to ensure licences and compliance documentation are current and valid ahead of the switch to the digital system.

EPRA expects the platform to speed up clearance times, improve transparency of energy consignments and strengthen regulatory oversight at border points.