Destination Inspection Companies, DICs are worried at least a thousand direct jobs would be lost at the country’s ports if government terminates their contracts by August 31. 

The Trade and Industry Ministry in its letter to the five DICs for them to contribute 35 million dollars in paying the judgment debt awarded to, IT Solutions provider,  Bankswitch in exchange for contracts also warned that the contract of the companies comes to an end on 31^st of August 2015. It said government has decided to implement a National Single Window to be operated by West Blue Consulting from 1^st of September 2015.

Clearing Agents and the DICs have kicked against this policy, insisting it’s the same kind of window GCNET is currently operating and therefore wanted the current system to be maintained. 

The Deputy Managing Director of Inspection and Control Services, ICS, Walter Onyango who doubles as the Secretary to the Joint Consultative Committee of the Destination Inspection Scheme Companies insists terminating their contracts would have far-reaching repercussions for their industry.

“Frankly speaking, it would be a catastrophe because between the five companies, almost one thousand direct jobs [will be lost] and we’re not counting the indirect jobs and opportunities that we support. And so, yes, it would be a catastrophic loss of jobs should there be a sudden termination in August. Yes we have barely three months to go but also we don’t have a definitive way forward from government as yet.

"We’ve spoken to our staff and engaged workers’ union representatives but at the same time the focus is now on the way forward. We would therefore continue to work and give off our best to this nation until the last day” he noted.