Kenya Revenue Authority last week suspended passwords for 69 clearing and forwarding agents for failing to conclude transactions. The affected agents had declared the goods and accordingly processed entries but failed to make the appropriate payment to facilitate removal of the cargo.
Under such circumstances, it is difficult to determine the fate of such goods.  The goods having been offloaded from vessels that brought them can easily be removed from the port of entry unprocedurally. The suspension of passwords effectively denies affected agents access to the system until they conclude the outstanding transaction.

An electronic broadcast had been sent to the affected agents last Friday morning warning them of suspension of their passwords if they do not conclude outstanding transactions. Indeed, instead of effecting the suspension by 1:00pm on Friday, they were given additional time up to 5:00pm to avoid disruption of their activities.

By close of business last Monday (20th July 2009) almost half of the agents had responded and paid a total of about Kshs 109million. Their passwords were subsequently reinstated. The measure has proved to be effective in getting clearing agents act, on outstanding transactions.
As long as clearing and forwarding agents transact their business within the confines of the acts administered by the Authority, they will continue enjoying access to our systems.
It is therefore in the interest of all parties transacting business with the authority to strictly observe applicable laws.