The Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) Programme of the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on the development of appropriate and effective border, export, transit and transshipment controls for the prevention of illicit trafficking and smuggling of strategic commodities, is actively engaging in virtual capacity building activities during the current COVID-19 health emergency.
From 8 to 11 September 2020, the STCE Programme conducted a national training for Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers. Together with the WCO team, the United States Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program, represented by Ms. Pamela Mburu, addressed the audience with encouraging words highlighting the ongoing capacity building WCO and EXBS are providing to the KRA in relation to controlling the movement of strategic goods and commodities. In addition, two Kenyan officers, in the process of getting accredited as STCE Expert trainers, had the opportunity to present part of the curriculum to their colleagues.
Mr. James McColm, WCO STCE Programme Manager, highlighted that the WCO’s support for KRA and other African Customs administrations via virtual training was part of a continuum of blended learning using a range of training techniques. In order to allow as many officers as possible to attend the training, it was carried out between 18:30 and 21:30 EAT. Acknowledging the late hour and the peculiarities of a virtual training, the STCE team used different tools to involve the audience, such as quizzes, polls and surveys.
The 4-days training was attended by 69 KRA front line officers, managers and professors at the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA). The WCO received outstanding feedback for the course, such as the comment by Ms. Maggie Awitta: “It was an insightful and interesting training. A real eye opener”. Many participants also showed interest in further training in STCE matters, either virtual or in presence.
The STCE Programme plans to follow-up with a physical training once travels will be safe and allowed again, but in the meantime the virtual delivery has proven to be a good alternative in emergency situations like the one we are living in.