Port runs into confusion as electronic system is launched

Tag : electronic system
July 3, 2008: The new Kilindini Waterfront computer system started slowly yesterday with problems being reported in yard planning, billingand truck release.

Mr Joseph Atonga, who is acting on behalf of the managing director,said many users including port staff were not conversant with theprogramme hence the confusion and slow pace.

The first ship expected to use the new system docked at 3 p.m.

Waiting cargo
“Since we started using the new system, we have managed toprocess 250 documents,” Mr Atonga said.

Some port users expressed fear that the slow start might compoundthe problem of congestion.

The users urged the port authorities to run the new programmeparallel to the manual system since the users would take sometimebefore mastering the new system.

A clearing and forwarding agent, who did not want to be named, saidhe tried to follow a manual that was provided by the Kenya PortsAuthority (KPA), but was not able to log in to clear waitingcargo.

“We have been using Simba system, which was introducedgradually,” he said, adding that “due to itsconvenience, everybody was enthusiastic to learn and use it. Thisis exactly what the port ought to have done.”

The agent said if the familiar manual system was not used therewould be delays, leading to clients being charged storage fees.

Other users are blaming the system for its failure to launchdocuments or log in.

Mr Harry Abok, the port’s communication officer, said therewas drama when some users reported that they had forgotten theirpasswords, thereby locking them out of the system.

“There was a last minute rush by customers to acquire newpasswords,” he said.

However, he said KPA processed all password inquiries and promisedassistance in all fresh applications.

KPA said those in need of passwords would get them without delay.

The port, however, allowed those who had started processing thedocuments using the manual system to complete the process using thesame medium.

“This are the only circumstances under which we are allowingthe use of manual system,” Mr Atonga said.

As part of the teething problems, transport clerks also protestedat the new programme, claiming it would render them jobless.

Crisis management
Mr Abok, however, said KPA had a crisis management committee inplace, which was dealing with all the issues arising from theimplementation of the new system.

He said the committee would deal with the challenges as both portofficials and port users familiarise themselves with the newsystem.

“The old manual system will continue to be used where thereare difficulties with the electronic one but the former musteventually be phased out,” he said.