Kenyan Companies now looking to file mergers and exemptions will now be expected to access these services online following a move by the Competition Authority of Kenya to fully automate technical services.
This has been done by the authority in a bid to enhance its service delivery. Registering restrictive trade practices, abuse of buyer power and consumer complaints will also be expected to be done online on the Case Management Systems (CMS), “E-filing Portal”.
The portal was developed to meet the technical needs of the Authority, bench-marked against e-filing solutions rolled out by other agencies and taking into consideration the recommendations of our stakeholders.
Since July 1, 2019, the Authority has been receiving and processing applications lodged through the E-filing Portal which is accessible via the link: https://competition.cak.go.ke:444/
Reduction of turnaround time:
The automated system has resulted in a reduction in the time taken to process files since there is no need for handling and moving physical copies of documents between the Authority and its stakeholders as well as between case officers, irrespective of their geographical location.
Further, the E-filing Portal has secured the integrity of the documentation while facilitating our stakeholders to, in real-time, track the status of the applications lodged with the Authority.
The Authority is adopting a paperless working environment from SEPT 1 2020. This follows automation of ALL its technical services, including filing merger & exemption applications, registering Restrictive Trade Practices, Abuse of Buyer Power & consumer complaints. pic.twitter.com/EpYSBdWrmk
— Competition Authority of Kenya (@CAK_Kenya) August 24, 2020
To ensure Business Continuity, the Authority has also developed an offsite Disaster Recovery Site (DRS) to handle the biggest risks of automation – system unavailability following cyber-related attacks or other forms of downtime. The DRS ensures that in case of any undesirable eventuality, the Authority can recover within the shortest time possible, while ensuring all the case files are backed up and available for processing in their complete form.
The Authority has also enhanced the capacity of its ICT Department, in terms of numbers and skills development, in order to ensure reliable system support.
Based on the foregoing, the Authority wishes to inform its stakeholders that, from September 1 2020, it will cease receiving physical applications. To facilitate our stakeholders efficiently use the E-Filing Portal, the Authority has developed and uploaded technical services’ User Manuals on its Website.
This permanent operational change is aimed at improving the Authority’s efficiency and is in line with the Government’s agenda of enhancing the presence and use of digital platforms in service delivery.