INFORMAL CROSS BORDER TRADE SURVEY-2nd CYCLE 2015/16
1. Introduction
Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) refers to trade transactions of goods that involve residents and non-residents across the economic boundaries that are largely not recorded by Customs authorities. ICBT is legal activity which involves trade in goods that are easily identified and can be recorded. Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) conduct ICBT Surveys, to supplement merchandise data obtained from Customs. The survey therefore generate information on informal trade transactions to be used for improving the coverage and completeness of external trade statistics. The survey will provide insights on the economic interdependence between the neighboring countries and the dynamics of international demand for these products.
ICBT surveys are implemented in cycles in order to take into account the characteristics and seasonality of prevailing habits of informal trade. The 1st Cycle of the ICBT Survey 2015/16 was conducted in November, 2015 whereas, the 2nd started on 30th May – 20th June 2016.
2. Objective
The main objective of ICBT 2015/16 survey is to collect data and information on the magnitude and direction of unrecorded trade. Data and information collected will be used to compile external trade, balance of payments and national accounts statistics for 2016.
3. Data Collection
The 2nd Cycle of ICBT Survey 2015/16 commenced on 30th May, 2016. The data collection will be undertaken at selected border stations, namely: Lunga Lunga, Shimoni, Isebania, Busia, Malaba, Lwakhakha, Namanga, Mandera, Moyale, Rhamu, Lokichoggio, Loitokitok, Taveta.
4. Legal Framework
The data is collected under the Statistics Act, 2006 that authorizes KNBS to collect, analyze and disseminate statistical information, as well as coordinate the National Statistical System (NSS).
5. Collaboration with other institutions
The survey is carried out in collaboration with stakeholder institutions that include the Central Bank of Kenya, the Kenya Revenue Authority and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives.