In Kenya, the postal and courier industry was liberalized in 1998. The industry is regulated by the Communications Authority of Kenya.
Over the last few years the sector has grown from 100 companies to 200+ registered and licensed courier firms.
Courier service is characterized by speed, safety, security, timeliness, track and trace information, and value for money.
The national operator: Postal Corporation of Kenya and the private courier firms are constantly moving forward to innovate and respond to the 21st century consumer demands.
The sector plays a key role in connecting the country to the World.
Documents, packages and live animals and plants find their way out of the country or into the country through the courier networks.
With the increasing uptake of e- commerce in Kenya, the industry appears more lucrative.
New entrants are leveraging on technology and changing the market structure by offering products and services that expand the consumer’s choice for courier service.
Some of the business trends in the last five years include interconnection and cooperation between courier operators to extend their geographical reach to all the 47 counties, across East Africa and the Globe.
Three main objectives of the Courier Industry Association of Kenya are:
a) To encourage members to achieve regulatory compliance with regard to courier operations and security measures, and
b) To help solve regulatory and trade problems affecting the members collectively.
c) To participate in and encourage development of educational programs with regard to professional practice in the courier industry
The association has actively engaged and created mutually beneficial working relationships with the Regulator, AFRALTI, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Revenue Authority- Customs, Kentrade, Airlines and Ground handlers.
Membership has grown over the last few years and CIAK has 30 firms that are active and up to date with the association requirements.
With the inception of the CIAK Secretariat in 2019 , we expect to see more active engagements between the association and the courier operators, as well as other stakeholders to drive the postal and courier industry to the next frontier.
I am glad to be part of this journey and wish to welcome non- member courier operators aboard the CIAK ship as it sails off into 2020.
Thank you.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CIAK SECRETARIAT, CHARITY R. N. MWANZIA
