KPA to Hold Sensitization Forum on Payment Changes at Port
Kenya Ports Authority ( KPA ) will organize a stakeholders engagement forum to effect changes of terms of payment for its services at the port of Mombasa.
In a press statement through KPA Corporate Communication the authority said plans are at an advanced stage to sensitize and engage customers on the changes to enhance operational efficiency.
The statement to media houses added the sensitization aims at engaging customers on the changes to enhance operational efficiency and productivity of port facilities.
In the two-page statement the state corporation disclosed that from next month they will cease to render port services to customers on a credit basis.
READ ALSO: KPA Automates Cargo Processing and Payment at Mombasa Port
The statement added that KPA has halted the six-day credit period arrangement that has traditionally been extended to customers.
The state corporation also announced that it will recall all guarantees with banks by end of this month.
“All port users with active ledger guaranteed accounts have also been urged to ensure all their pending or outstanding invoices are settled before the period lapses,” the statement pointed out.
The authority said it wishes to clarify that payment of port charges will be settled through banks, electronic transfer, Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and other available methods such as online or mobile banking.
KPA warned no physical handling of cash will be allowed in settling port charges.
The state corporation said it wants to minimize service disruptions and ensure that customers continue to access port services.
KPA will also extend a one-month grace period to all customers with outstanding debts to ensure settlement of their accounts.
The statement added the corporation has formed a dispute resolution team and has also established a team to consult and advise on issues to resolve any outstanding customer complaints and concerns from aggrieved parties to avoid delays in clearing processes.
This comes just three months after the government through KPA implemented capacity expansion projects at the port of Mombasa.
The authority introduced the E-Citizen platform aimed at streamlining cargo clearance and payment processes.