The introduction of the Global Monitoring System (GMS) will help the regulator to verify quality of service. PHOTO | FILE
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The system which uses the Radio Frequency Identification RFID technology reads and records timestamp movements of mails, monitors delivery timelines and Posta’s transmission network.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has introduced an automated system for tracking the delivery of letters and parcels by postal and courier operators in a bid to monitor quality of service.
The CA’s monitoring of the sub-sector has been manual and involved scrutinising date stamp impressions on letters sent through the Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) to determine transmission time between post offices.
The introduction of the Global Monitoring System (GMS) will help the regulator to verify quality of service.
CA chief executive Francis Wangusi said the system will first be used to monitor letters and parcels delivered through Posta and from July next year incorporate private couriers.
“There is no doubt that this new measurement system will go long way in enhancing the Authority’s regulatory efficiency as we also strive to maintain international standards here at home,” said Mr Wangusi.
A pilot in April shows that Posta delivers on time 85 per cent of its mails and parcels against the 65 per cent standard set by the regulator.
The CA has set a fine of Sh500,000 for firms that will fail to meet its set threshold. The system which uses the Radio Frequency Identification RFID technology reads and records timestamp movements of mails, monitors delivery timelines and Posta’s transmission network.
The Authority sourced the system from Universal Postal Union (UPU) at a cost of Sh9.8 million.
CA chairman Ben Gituku said Kenya is the first country in Africa to use the RFID based technology for regulations under the coordination of the UPU.
“The Authority anticipates great benefits from the new system that now provides a scientific basis for the regulator’s reporting on performance of the public postal licensee on the standards set for mail delivery,” Mr Gituku said.
Principal Secretary for Innovations at the Ministry of ICT Victor Kyalo said Posta needs to put further remedial measures to be more competitive.
“The specific areas that need greater focus include revitalising parcel business to reap from emerging technologies that have opened a wide window for e-commerce growth,” Mr Kyalo noted.
This is the latest attempt by the CA to enhance service delivery in the postal and courier subsector.
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