The Kenya Ports Authority has been engaging customers and stakeholders in the transit markets to promote awareness and adoption of its new online payment platform, Kargo Pay.
The system was launched in July last year, following the discontinuation of credit sales by KPA.
The Kargo Pay application has now been extended to Uganda and Rwanda, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of payment processes in the region.
In response to the shift towards cash sales, KPA developed an automated tool to assist credit customers in accessing funds electronically from their accounts at any time.
This ensures seamless settlement of port charges even outside of traditional banking hours, according to KPA.
In the past two weeks, KPA managing director Captain William Ruto led the management to Rwanda and Uganda to enlighten port stakeholders on the new digital payment system.
He said one of the key advantages of Kargo Pay is its ability to improve the accuracy and timeliness of collections by enabling customers to make direct payments from their bank accounts 24/7 as soon as invoices are issued.
“This shift towards digital payments not only streamlines transactions, but also enhances efficiency and transparency in port operations, benefiting both customers and KPA,” Ruto said.
He underscored KPA's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and promote financial inclusivity in the East African transit markets.
The positive reception of Kargo Pay in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda signals a promising future for digital payment solutions in the region's maritime industry, paving the way for greater convenience and reliability in port transactions.
In Rwanda, Captain Ruto met President Paul Kagame, Minister of State Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, his Trade and Industry counterpart Jean-Chrysostome Ngabitsinze and infrastructure's Jimmy Gasore.
In Uganda, the system was received for its ability to facilitate transactions in the local currency, a feature that aligns seamlessly with traders' preferences.
The system not only champions currency flexibility but also introduces alternative payment methods such as bank cards and mobile transfers.
By eliminating the need for physical visits to banks, Kargo Pay enhances convenience, providing a transformative solution for the clearing of goods.
