The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced plans to introduce major changes to how fuel and cooking gas imports are handled in Kenya.
The proposed changes will require importers, exporters and transporters dealing with petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and coal to process their clearance documents through a government digital platform.
In a public notice issued on October 30, EPRA said it was working with the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) to introduce the National Electronic Single Window System, also known as the Trade Facilitation Platform.
Under the new arrangement, businesses involved in importing and transporting fuel and gas will be required to submit clearance documents electronically instead of relying on the existing procedures.
Licensed transporters will also be expected to submit their journey plans through the online platform.
EPRA officers will use the system to verify licences held by importers, exporters, transporters and drivers handling the consignments.
The authority says the changes are aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and compliance with regulations governing the energy sector.
The first phase of the rollout will cover petroleum and LPG consignments, while coal will be included in a later phase.
On Wednesday, November 4, EPRA is scheduled to hold stakeholder engagement meetings at the Hilton Building in Nairobi to explain the proposed changes and collect views from affected businesses.
Other meetings will take place in different regions, including Kisumu, Eldoret, Mombasa and Nakuru.
EPRA has urged businesses operating in the sector to ensure their licences and other compliance documents are valid and up to date.
However, the authority has not announced the date when the new system will become mandatory. The implementation timeline will be communicated after consultations and other preparations.
The changes could affect businesses involved in fuel and cooking gas imports across the country.