Theme: UPSCALING EXCELLENCE IN TRADE FACILITATION
About Event
Kenya Trade Awards and Conference (KTAC) seeks recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements, and contributions in the trade facilitation industry.
KTAC is open to private and public business enterprises, associations, non-governmental organisations and government institutions based in Kenya. It is an initiative of Think Business Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry. We are seeking partnerships with like-minded organisations to propel this noble cause.
Participation in the awards will highlight the achievements of the participating institution as well as an opportunity to share the best practices in trade facilitation. Information from winning institutions will be shared with experts, practitioners, government, and other stakeholders. Whether an organization wins an award or is nominated for the shortlist, the information can be used on a global scale for marketing and publicity to demonstrate its effectiveness to policymakers and increase influence with stakeholders or assist gaining the resources or support required.
Trade is an essential tool for spurring economic growth, reducing global poverty and a key factor for socio-economic development. Developing economies are greatly encumbered by trade constraints owing to the high cost of doing business. Efficiencies that are associated with lowering the costs of doing business are increasingly being recognized as key factors in trade facilitation. In Kenya like many other countries, the Government of Kenya has made strides in implementing initiatives or reforms that are geared towards enhancing competitiveness in the trade facilitation industry.
Initiatives to improve trade efficiency revolve around enhancing transport, logistics, infrastructure and service delivery. Some of these initiatives have resulted in the improvement of procedures in customs clearance; introduction to automation and use of information technology; reduction of excessive documentation requirements; addressing lack of transparency in import and export requirements or procedures and better coordination among government agencies
These reforms have huge financial implications, and it is expected that there is better compliance and enhanced service delivery in the industry.
There are notable benefits derived from the investments that have been made by the government and enhanced service delivery by the private sector. The government for example, benefits from enhanced revenue and increased compliance from the trading community and reduced corruption. The trading community on the other hand benefits from lower transaction costs, better predictability and enhanced efficiency, leading to greater competitiveness. Ultimately, efficient trade has assisted in lowering trade transaction costs, attracting foreign direct investment, job creation, reduced margins between domestic and international prices to the benefit consumers and producers.
Against this background, Think Business Ltd, have put together the Kenya Trade Awards and Conference, a two-day high-level awards, conference and exhibition themed, “upscaling excellence in trade facilitation” to provide a forum for industry leaders to share experiences, showcase best practices and to publicly recognize the initiatives, roles and contributions of the various players in enhancing trade facilitation. The Award ceremony seek to motivate the winners to remain competitive as well as inspire the industry players to continue driving the economy.
Objectives of KTAC
KTAC seeks to recognize the significance and great effort made in the trade and trade logistics industry and to encourage the exchange of best practices in trade and logistics industry. The event also intends to develop a mutual understanding and experience sharing between governments, private sector, development partners and industry players. The event will also highlight the compliance efforts and achievements of the participating institutions.
Information on winning institutions will be shared with experts, practitioners, government, development partners and other stakeholders. Whether an organization wins an award or is nominated for the shortlist, the information may be used on a global scale for marketing and publicity to demonstrate its effectiveness to other stakeholders and grow its business.
The specific objectives are highlighted below:
In meeting these objectives, KTAC seeks to:
DATE | ACTIVITY |
---|---|
Mon. 9th Oct. 2023 | Awards Launch/ portal opens for entries / CSS starts |
Wed. 8th Nov. 2023 | Entries close/ CSS ends |
Mon. 9th Nov. 2023 | Judging Process starts |
Mon. 23rd Nov. 2023 | Judging Process ends |
Wed. 29th Nov. 2023 | Conference & Exhibition begins |
Wed. 30th Nov. 2023 | Awards Gala Dinner |
Exhibition, Conference and Awards
Conference
The conference is designed as a forum for networking, discussions and exchange of ideas on thematic issues affecting trade facilitation. The aim is to encourage industry players to work together and engage in developing implementable strategies that will promote trade facilitation locally, within the continent and globally.
Exhibition
This is a forum for stakeholders to showcase their products and services to other stakeholders and the general public. The exhibition will take place alongside the conference. It will be open to local and regional organizations involved in trade, trade facilitation and logistics. They will take up booths to display their projects, initiatives, services and products. There will special awards and recognition for the best exhibitors during the award ceremony.
Award Ceremony
The Award ceremony seeks set benchmarks for excellence, whilst rewarding innovative ideas, concepts projects and products/services. The benchmarks will be based on some key industry performance indicators (KPIs). Participants will submit entries for different award categories based on a judging criteria developed by Think Business in collaboration with experts in the various sectors.
Based on the Final Evaluation, the finalists in each category will be selected for the awards. The winners will be announced and awarded during the KTAC Awards Gala Night at the Sarova Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya. It will also have a special category for media houses /practitioners who have demonstrated excellence in the reporting and creating awareness on trade facilitation industry. Senior Government officials, development partners, distinguished domestic and foreign guests will be invited to the Award ceremony.
Participation in the awards will highlight the achievements of the participating institution as well as an opportunity to share the best practices in trade facilitation.
Eligibility:
Private Sector Institutions
Citation:
This award category recognizes the private organization that has
demonstrated professionalism, high -level customer service concepts by applying improvement tools to help deliver services. Judges will be looking for how the organization has aligned with customer expectations, problem solving and innovation. They will also look for explanations of how the organization has put customers at the core of what they do. Customer service innovations and customer satisfaction surveys will also be conducted.
Eligibility:
Government Agency involved in trade facilitation/logistics.
Citation:
This award category recognizes the government agency that has demonstrated professionalism, high -level customer service concepts by applying improvement tools to help deliver services. Judges will be looking for how the organization has aligned with customer expectations, problem solving and innovation. They will also look for explanations of how the organization has put customers at the core of what they do. Customer service innovations and customer satisfaction surveys will also be conducted.
Eligibility:
Shipping Lines under the following categories:
Citation:
This award category recognizes the shipping line that has demonstrated excellence in shipping large quantities of goods in an affordable, fast, and efficient way that has had significant effect or transformation in trade facilitation industry. Judges will be looking for explanations of how the transformation or effect was achieved, including the rationale for it. They will also assess any investments committed and explore the company’s plans to build on its achievement.
Eligibility:
Financial Services providers
Citation:
This award category recognizes the financial institution that has provided the most comprehensive, competitive, and efficient service to the trade facilitation industry or players. The institution should have provided financial solutions, advice, investment support for huge projects or programs in the trade facilitation industry such to finance cargo clearing and forwarding, construction investing in the shipping and maritime markets . The judges will be looking for evidence of the positive impact made to the industry or customers.
Eligibility:
All institutions
Citation:
This award category recognizes the outstanding trade facilitation event that was organized by the entrant. The event could be physical, online or hybrid. The judges will be looking at the relevance of the event to trade facilitation, level of participation, attendance, participants experience and feedback, innovations, program content and contribution or value addition that the event has made to the industry.
Eligibility:
Published and circulated trade related publications
Citation:
This award category recognizes the publication produced by an association, organization or on behalf of an organization, which engages and serves the needs of trade industry and is both informative and educative. The publication, which may be online or printed, should be appropriate for its purpose and promote the trade sector. The judges will be looking for details of the intended audience, purpose of the publication and distribution method.
Eligibility:
All institutions
Citation:
This award category recognizes the institution that has played a key role in supporting or complimenting government efforts to enhance trade facilitation and regional competitiveness. The judges will be looking for role that the institution has played in investment in existing or new projects. The project may include road improvements, digitization of trade processes, trade related research, etc.
Eligibility:
All institutions
Citation:
This award category recognizes the organization that has created, promoted, and maintained diversity and inclusion by establishing an environment that recognizes, encourages, and effectively utilizes each individual’s talents. It must highlight the diversity and inclusion strategy and how it has had a positive impact on the business. Judges will be looking at aspects such as leadership’s commitment to diversity, equality, representation of diversity at all levels of the organization, equal access to opportunity, fair treatment practices, diversity in education and training.
Eligibility:
All Institutions
Citation:
This award category recognizes the most dynamic business growth based on an actively managed and consistently delivered growth strategy. This could include implementation of a new trade facilitation strategy, business expansion or product diversification among others. The judges will be looking for the thing that makes the initiative different from the others, what is unique about this particular strategy and growth.
Eligibility:
All nstitutions
Citation:
This award category recognizes the organization that has done the most to improve overall environmental performance and enhance sustainability in the trade facilitation industry. The organization should demonstrate leadership in efforts to reduce energy consumption, emissions, noise pollution, and environmental impact. This could have been achieved through efficiency savings in the use of raw materials, energy, water; the adoption of clean technologies; improved waste management and recycling; development of greener products; and/or more generally changing operational processes to increase environmental efficiency The judges will be looking for initiatives or implementation of operating systems that lead to sustainable outcomes and contribute to protection of the natural environment.
Eligibility
Container Freight Stations operating in Kenya.
Citation:
This award category recognizes the best container freight stations operators or owners who streamlined and optimized the process of shipping. The judges will be looking at container freight station’s capacity, infrastructure, cargo handling equipment, efficiency, speedy evacuation, rail & road connectivity, storage space, value-added services, and customer service.
Eligibility:
All registered / Licensed clearing agents
Citation:
This award category recognizes the Clearing and Forwarding Agent who has demonstrated excellence in ensuring smooth shipment and clearance of cargo through customer service and regulatory compliance in the areas of customs. This include timely documentation, submission of appropriate paperwork to authorities and related subsidiary activities Judges will be looking entries that clearly demonstrate that the nominee goes beyond the call of duty for their customers and also achieves everyday excellence.
Eligibility:
Freight Forwarders
a. Local category
b. Regional ategory
Citation:
This award category recognizes the company that has displayed excellence in freight forwarding, in terms of service and efficiency in sea, air, road or rail freight and has proved to be an industry leader having made significant, class-leading improvements across a multitude of service areas. The judges will looking for evidence of global reach, customs solutions, customer support, warehouse and inventory management, innovation, among others
Eligibility
All cargo Consolidators registered in Kenya
Citation:
This award category recognizes the Cargo Consolidating company that has put together multiple smaller shipments into one larger shipment. The judges will be looking for the most efficient solutions to reduce costs and achieve shorter transit times is freight consolidation.
Eligibility:
All Warehouse Operators registered in Kenya.
Citation:
This award category recognizes the warehouse facility or organization that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure smooth and successful running of warehouse operations. Apart from providing proper space for the safekeeping of products, the warehouse provides a system to economically coordinate the required activities, facilities and manpower for the general control of the whole operation of consolidation and deconsolidation.
Eligibility:
Shipping Agents registered in Kenya.
Citation:
This award recognizes the ships agents who are familiar with all of the relevant regulations and requirements that pertain to trade logistics industry and be sufficiently well established and organized to be able to provide the required level of service and support the principal requires. The judges will be looking at demonstrable knowledge and skills to ensure that the customers’ requirements are met with the highest standard efficiency and promptness.
Eligibility:
Insurance companies, insurance brokers or underwriters
Citation:
This award recognizes insurance companies that provides indemnity against loss or damage for goods being transported by sea or air and incidental land transportation. With the recent changes requiring all marine cargo destined for Kenya to be insured by local underwriters, the judges will have a bias towards the companies that have excelled in executing this directive.
Eligibility
Exporters
Citation:
This award category recognizes outstanding performance of the company that has been exporting from Kenya for two years or more. The company should have a proven track record in export, demonstrate its current export strategy including plans for growth in existing and new markets, exceptional progress and success in exports that have made significant economic contributions through their investments. The judges will be looking at the structure of export operations and systems to effectively respond to exports or international sales or markets.
Eligibility:
All Importers
Judging Criteria:
This award category recognizes the contribution of the importer to the respective business sector and national economy by paying taxes, creating jobs , growth in volume and value of imports and promoting Kenya’s image. The judges will be looking for demonstrated efficiency in their logistic processes and Compliance to regulatory and industry obligations.
Eligibility:
Cargo Transporter (Road)
Citation:
This award category recognizes cargo transporters who have complied with transport rules, employed best practices, trained staff, adhered to designated routes and passing through the transit country or countries to the hinterlands. Strategies to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain through the Northern Corridor will be taken to consideration. Judges will be looking for unique and different approach to the sector, business performance or have shown the initiative to bring change in the industry.
Eligibility:
Dry Bulk/Breakbulk Operators Award
Citation:
Eligibility:
Airline Companies
Companies engaged in Airfreight.
Citation:
This award recognizes the organization or airline companies involved in carriage of goods and cargo within and out of Kenya that have invested in providing great customer service, operational excellence, and innovative technologies. The organization must have expanded or secured new export markets in the field of aviation related products or services. The award recognizes safe, reliable, and competitively priced services to customers and businesses in the industry with a growing fleet and well-maintained facilities. The judges will be looking at notable contributions to air cargo transportation.
Eligibility:
Private Sector organizations
Citation:
This award recognizes the organization that has undertaken or implemented an innovative project using new technology, or how technology was used in a new and different way in the project. The idea does not have to be new but could be used in a way or in a new environment or location not previously carried out. It could bring together both new and existing products and services to solve a pain point that was identified. This award recognizes organizations that have innovative ideas, processes, product or technical innovation to deliver or continue delivering services/support to their customer and the industry. Judges will be looking at how the organization has utilized a technological solution to drive efficiency and cost saving impact that it delivered for the organization and/or the wider sector.
Eligibility:
All eligible organisations in the public sector.
Citation:
This award category recognizes innovations from the public sector that are relevant to the simplification and streamlining of trade processes, Involvement of the key stakeholders in the design, implementation of the innovation and creativity and effectiveness and how the innovation serves the key beneficiaries. The innovation must have been launched and functional. The judges will be looking for the relevance /benefits of the innovation, awareness creation of the innovation and effectiveness.
Eligibility:
All eligible companies
Citation:
This award category recognizes the organization that has embedded the use of technology to improve their processes and the work environment in achieving business goals and objectives. The organization does not have to be an IT Company to compete for this award but constantly adapts and updates technology to keep up with the trends. An example is an organization in the transport industry that uses technology to improve communications for employees. The judges will be looking at the adaptation of technology internally to significantly improve a business process and enable efficient trade facilitation.
Eligibility:
All private and public training providers
Citation:
This award category recognizes the training institutions that offer their trainees a firm foundation in the fundamental skills and knowledge in trade facilitation or related programs. The judges will be looking for the institution that demonstrates commitment to training and development that go well beyond the bare minimum and contributes to the trainees’ career development.
Eligibility:
All Institutions
Citation:
This award category recognizes progress made in improving the occupational health and safety culture of the workplace by introducing new or developing existing initiatives. This could involve the implementation of recognized models of safety, simplifying risk management, anticipating and tackling new health and safety challenges, and promoting the benefits of an effective health and safety strategy, to improve employee wellbeing. Judges will look for examples of how safety and wellness has been embedded into the company culture through policies, resources, initiatives and activities that have enabled employees to have a motivated and focused work-life balance.
Eligibility:
All SMEs
Citation:
This award category recognizes SME’s with less than 50 employees that have shown exceptional initiative, boldness and dynamism, as well as exemplary management practices in the industry. The judges will be looking at SME in the trade logistics sector who are creative and innovative, engaged in global trade, open providing important opportunities for growth and excelled in business performance
Eligibility:
All Organizations
Citation:
This award category recognizes organizations that are strategically committed to excellence in the management of risk in their operations by promoting risk culture within the corporate structure, applying innovative approaches for tackling challenges in risk management implementation and possessing leadership competencies to support risk management programs.
Eligibility:
All Membership Associations
Citation:
This award category recognizes membership associations that demonstrate excellence in engaging and communicating with their members, industry and other stakeholders. Judges will be looking at expertise in running a successful organization which focuses on members’ needs.
Eligibility:
All organizations
Citation:
This award category recognizes organizations whose Board whose board demonstrate commitment to the core principles of good governance by creating a culture of board excellence, which in turn has resulted in a positive impact on the organization’s strategic or operational development. The judges will be looking at the governing style, structures and processes, and the organization’s demonstrable impact(s).
Eligibility
All Organizations
Citation:
This award category recognizes the efforts of the organizations that build or have built durable collaborations or partnerships that enhance the trade facilitation industry. The judges will be looking at the existence of shared agreements to cooperate and work together for the mutual benefit and how it benefits the industry.
Eligibility
All organizations
Citation:
This award category recognizes the organization that embrace social responsibility in its actions and encourages positive impact through its activities that benefit not only the industry but also the public at large. The entry could be for a one-off initiative run by the organization, or a long-standing, structured CSR program. The judges will be looking at the issue(s) the processes, project or program was designed to address and evidence of the positive social impact the initiative had.
Eligibility
All print and electronic edia organizations operating in Kenya.
Citation:
The Award recognizes the outstanding work of a media house or news organization that promotes professionalism and excellence in the reporting of trade facilitation. The judges will be looking at the media house that demonstrates impact by going beyond the normal reporting and suggesting ways in addressing trade facilitation issues as well as commitment in excellence reporting.
Eligibility
All participating organizations
Judging Criteria
Eligibility:
Industry practitioners nder the age of 35
Citation:
The Rising Star in Trade Facilitation Award recognizes a mature emerging trade facilitator whose record reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution to the profession and industry, and increased levels of leadership, responsibility, and sphere of impact. Eligible nominees may not be a senior leader, but their track-record reflects a strong career trajectory with the possibility of forward advancement and potential for appointment at the highest levels of the profession.
Eligibility:
Senior Leaders
Citation:
This award category recognizes leaders’ people who have gone the extra mile to support and motivate their staff and peers, positive energy spills over into the atmosphere they create and act as role models and are inspirational leaders for their organizations.
Eligibility:
Women in Trade Facilitation
Citation:
This award category recognizes an individual woman who has demonstrated a significant level of involvement in the trade facilitation organization over an extended period, the willingness to serve and assist other women in their personal and professional development and contributed to the successes of others as well as her own.
Eligibility:
Current or retired Individuals who have dedicated over 20 years of their career to trade facilitation.
Citation:
This award category recognizes the lasting contributions, leadership, enthusiasm, and tireless efforts of industry luminaries who’ve committed themselves to elevating and enhancing the trade facilitation industry including exceptional and long-standing achievements in
the industry.
Preliminary Program
Time | Activity | |
---|---|---|
0800Hrs – 0830Hrs | Arrival and Registration | |
0830Hrs – 0900Hrs | Official Opening Session | |
Climate Setting | Announcements/Entertainment | |
Opening Remarks | Overview of the KTAC | |
Remarks from Sponsor(s) | Remarks from Sponsors | |
Official Opening Speech | Mr. Moses Kuria Cabinet Secretary – Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry | |
0900Hrs – 0930Hrs | Official Opening | County Government of Mombasa County |
0930Hrs – 1030Hrs | 2063 Trade Agenda: Maximizing Market Access Opportunities in ACFTA to spur manufacturing and economic growth | Speaker State Department for Trade
Panelists TradeMark Africa Bidco Africa East Africa Business Council (EABC) AfCFTA |
1030Hrs – 1130Hrs | HEALTH BREAK AND COMMEMORATIVE PHOTO | |
1030Hrs – 1130Hrs | Leveraging on maritime transportation and global connectivity to boost trade facilitation | Speaker State Department for Shipping & Maritime Affairs Panelists Kenya Ports Authority A.P. Moller – Maersk, Eastern Africa Association of Kenya Insurers Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping |
1130Hrs – 1200Hrs | PLENARY | |
1300Hrs – 1415Hrs | LUNCH BREAK | |
1415Hrs – 1530Hrs | Trade facilitation performance and competitiveness in the EAC region | Speaker Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter (MPNCCC) Presentation Chairman – Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter
Panelists Kenya Bureau of Standards GIZ, Kenya Kenya Railways Corporation Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association ( KIFWA) |
1530 – 1630hrs | PLENARY | |
1630Hrs | HEALTH BREAK – END OF DAY 1 PROGRAM |
Time | Activity | |
---|---|---|
0800Hrs – 0830Hrs | Arrival and Registration | |
0830Hrs – 0930Hrs | Incentives and regimes to support local traders | Speaker Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Panelists Micro and Small Enterprises Authority Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) International Trade Centre Kenya Stanbic Bank Kenya & South Sudan |
0930Hrs – 1030Hrs | PLENARY | |
1030Hrs – 1115Hrs | HEALTH BREAK | |
1115Hrs – 1200Hrs | Trade Facilitation in the Digital Era : Leveraging on Technologies and Emerging Trends | KRA Customs & Border Control e – Citizen Kenya Trade Network Agency Bolloré Transport & Logistics |
1200Hrs – 1245Hrs | Ease of Doing Business and protecting investors in Kenya | Speaker IFC /World Bank Group
Panelist Anti – Counterfeit Authority Kenya Investment Authority Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) KCB Group |
1245Hrs – 1315Hrs | Reflections on Covid – 19 Pandemic “Lessons and Preparedness for Similar Uncertainties” | |
1315Hrs -1330Hrs | Closing Remarks/End of Kenya Trade Facilitation Conference | |
1330Hrs | LUNCH | |
1800Hrs – 2200Hrs | KENYA TRADE AWARDS GALA DINNER | |
2200 | END OF PROGRAM/DEPARTURE |
For further information call: +254 722 335 421 or e-mail on info@thinkbusinessafrica.com
1 Opportunity
1 Opportunity
3 Opportunities
3 Opportunities
1 per category
4 slot at the awards and 10 slots at the conference are available
KQ 606 26APR NBOMBA 1300 1400 26APR
KQ 605 29APR MBANBO 1205 1305 29APR
ROOM TYPE | |||
---|---|---|---|
SUPERIOR | |||
Per Adult sharing in Double | 84,635 | 72,800 | 157,435 |
Single Room Rate | 104,395 | 72,800 | 177,195 |
DELUXE | |||
Per Adult sharing in Double
| 87,125 | 72,800 | 159,925 |
Single Room Rate
| 109,835 | 72,800 | 182,635 |
OCEAN FRONT
| |||
Per Adult sharing in Double
| 88,750 | 72,800 | 161,550 |
Single Room Rate
| 112,625 | 72,800 | 185,425 |
DELUXE OCEAN
| |||
Per Adult sharing in Double
| 91,220 | 72,800 | 164,020 |
Single Room Rate
| 117,565 | 72,800 | 190,365 |
KQ 606 26APR NBOMBA 1300 1400 26APR
KQ 605 29APR MBANBO 1205 1305 29APR
ROOM TYPE | |||
---|---|---|---|
SUPERIOR | |||
Per Adult sharing in Double | 84,635 | 72,800 | 157,435 |
Single Room Rate | 104,395 | 72,800 | 177,195 |
DELUXE | |||
Per Adult sharing in Double
| 87,125 | 72,800 | 159,925 |
Single Room Rate
| 109,835 | 72,800 | 182,635 |
OCEAN FRONT
| |||
Per Adult sharing in Double
| 88,750 | 72,800 | 161,550 |
Single Room Rate
| 112,625 | 72,800 | 185,425 |
DELUXE OCEAN
| |||
Per Adult sharing in Double
| 91,220 | 72,800 | 164,020 |
Single Room Rate
| 117,565 | 72,800 | 190,365 |
Event Location
The KTDA awards and conference is slated for Friday, 31st August, 2023 at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort Mombasa at 6.30 pm.
Contact Info
Think Business Limited,
4th Flr. Delta Corner Annex, Wayiaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi
P.O. Box 12800 – 00100 GPO, Nairobi
Website: www.thinkbusinessafrica.com
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