KIFWA holds elections to elect new officials

By Nicholas Nduati

The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) is holding elections to elect new officials among them the chairman and treasurer as directed by the magistrate court last week.

KIFWA members hope to kick out some officials whom they claim have allegedly been compromised to accept new regulations without consulting members that has led to a row between clearing agents and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

To curb the rampant corruption witnessed at the ports and help fight drug trafficking, KRA this year introduced new rules governing business license applications for clearing agents which among others require agents to fill bio-data forms that disclose crucial information about their business operations and clients.

However, the move by top officials of KIFWA to adopt the regulations without seeking approval from members saw the matter taken to the magistrate court by a section of members.

The court ruled that new officials be elected through a Special General Meeting who will then be charged with spearheading dialogue with KRA.

According to Ojonyo, KIFWA is not against reforms in the freight and cargo clearing business but are calling for involvement of stakeholders.

Among the posts that have attracted a lot of attention is that of the chairperson, vice-chair, treasurer, and secretary.

The clearing and forwarding agents had previously threatened to stop tax collection and ground cargo clearance if their grievances were not addressed.