dc.description.abstract |
Despite reforms, trade procedures in Kenya remain lengthy, cumbersome, and costly.
This has negatively impacted the competitiveness of Kenyan goods in the region. This
study investigated the effect of customs electronic systems on trade facilitation at key
entry points in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effect of the
Integrated Customs Management System on trade facilitation at key entry points in
Kenya; establish the effect of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System on trade
facilitation at key entry points in Kenya, and assess the effect of scanning technology
on trade facilitation at key entry points in Kenya. The study was supported by
diffusion of innovation theory, technological determinism theory, and resource-based
view theory. The explanatory research survey design was employed. The target
population of the study was 147 Customs officials at JKIA, ICD, and Mombasa Port.
Out of the 147 questionnaires distributed, 143 were filled and returned resulting in the
response rate of 97.27%. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistics. Descriptive findings were presented in form of averages,
standard deviations, counts, and percentages. Inferential statistics relied on the use of
correlation and regression analyses. The study findings indicated that the Integrated
Customs Management System had a positive and significant effect on Trade
Facilitation at key entry points in Kenya (β1=0.230, p=0.02<0.05). Electronic Cargo
Tracking System had a positive and significant effect on Trade Facilitation at key
entry points in Kenya (β2=0.153, p=0.028<0.05). Likewise Scanning technology had
a positive and significant effect on Trade Facilitation at key entry points in Kenya
(β3=0.506, p=0.000<0.05). The study concluded that Customs Electronic Systems
play a fundamental role in explaining changes in trade facilitation in Kenya. The
study recommended that management of key entry points should continue
encouraging the use of customs electronic systems in daily operations. The
management should organize regular training workshops aimed at equipping
employees with the necessary skills to handle customs electronic systems. The
government of Kenya should allocate enough financial resources to boost the
development and maintenance of the customs electronic systems. Future researchers
could introduce intervening or moderating variables in the model and establish their
role in determining the relationship between customs electronic systems and trade
facilitation. Some of these factors could include government regulations, organization
culture, and technological capabilities. |
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