Dennis Benard

Customs Clearing and Forwarding Professional

Nairobi, Nairobi AreaMember since August 31, 2023

Import and export documentation

About

Results-driven Customs Clearing and Forwarding professional with experience in import and export documentation, cargo clearance, freight coordination, and logistics operations. Skilled in handling customs procedures, tariff classification, shipment tracking, and compliance with local and international trade regulations. Adept at coordinating with shipping lines, transporters, government agencies, and clients to ensure timely and cost-effective cargo movement.

Strong knowledge of customs systems, documentation accuracy, and customer service, with the ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

Experience

Declaration Officer - Union Logistics Limited Company - JKIA

(2025-07 - 2026-04)

Declaration of imports/exports (Tradex Simba System, KRA-Icms).
Provide advice to clients on the required permits and processes establish and process the required permits as required.
Scrutinize and ensure the documents are correctly captured for IDF application i.e. total value, currency, importer /exporter address, email, contact person.
Receive and analyse proforma invoices from client/customer service and ensure all documents meet requirements for IDF application Supported the planning and execution of risk-based internal audits by assessing financial, operational, and administrative processes in line with audit objectives and professional standards.
Lodging of IDFs,C17B Entries,SEZ,EPZ&MUB… permits through icms /Ken trade-TFP System
Dealing with customs queries whenever necessary Assisted in compliance reviews aimed at enhancing transparency, regulatory adherence, and institutional governance in accordance with public sector policies and procedures.
Tracking of all incoming /Outgoing Shipments
Answering of clients' needs.
Supported management decision-making by preparing clear findings, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations that enhanced accountability and operational efficiency.
Motor Vehicle Registration, Reregistration & De-registration among other Import/Export related Customs pre & Post Clearance processes on icms,kentrade & NTSA Systems
Submitting daily reports for all imports/Exports Transactions.

Declaration Clerk - Exhaul Limited Company - Mombasa Road

(2021-03 - 2025-06)

Declaration of imports/exports (Tradex Simba System, KRA-Icms)
Provide advice to clients on the required permits and processes establish and process the required permits as required.
Scrutinize and ensure the documents are correctly captured for IDF application i.e. total value, currency, importer /exporter address, email, contact person.
Receive and analyse proforma invoices from client/customer service and ensure all documents meet requirements for IDF application
Lodging of IDFs, permits through icms /Ken trade System
Dealing with customs queries whenever necessary
Tracking of all incoming /Outgoing Shipments
Answering of clients' needs
Motor Vehicle Registration, Reregistration & De-registration among other Import/Export related Customs pre & Post Clearance processes on icms,kentrade & NTSA Systems
Submitting daily reports for all imports/Exports Transactions.
Regularly advise clients on tax matters and prepare tax estimates for clients/customer service and pricing departments.
Liaise with industry stakeholders like Ken Trade, KRA, KEPHIS etc. to coordinate procedures/processes.
Assist to remove holds for OGA on time to stop delaying clearances of the goods.
Always advise the client on the correct HS code when they insist on using their own tariff code.
Effectively respond to KenTrade-TFP,OGA and all customers regarding issues arising from the IDF applications under process.
Processing of Customs Refunds documentation, Lodge in Arthi House, KRA & Treasury for KRA seal/endorsement and follow up with KRA Refunds Customs Administrators for execution and approval
Monitor entries once taxes are paid and apply for relevant permits/CDs and share the same with Field operations Team to enable timely release of consignments with Customs KRA Authorities
Effectively handle customer queries, disputes and proactively follow through to resolution.
Implement and maintain professional working relationships with internal and external customers and internal stakeholders.
Ensure Organization departmental and individual objectives are achieved as envisage in the Company's Profile, Mission, Motto and governing policies

Sales Executive Manager - Regional Cargo Logistics Ltd - Westland Nairobi

(2020-12 - 2021-02)

Identifying new Business opportunities within a defined geographic market segment
Generating leads, identifying and acquiring new business Managing Client relationships and achieving sales targets
Developing and implementing sales strategies
Forecasting Sales, and Collaborating with other departments to ensure smooth service delivery
Negotiating Contracts and closing deals
Develop and executing sales plans to achieve targets
Ensure Cargo efficiency in service delivery

Port Clerk - Duke Express (E.A) Ltd

(2019-03 - 2020-11)

Declaration Assistant - Duke Express (E.A) Ltd

(2018-10 - 2019-02)

Documentation Officer - Duke Express (E.A) Ltd

(2017-11 - 2018-09)

Declaration of imports/exports (Tradex Simba System, KRA-icms)
Lodging of IDFs, permits through icms /Ken trade System
Dealing with customs queries whenever necessary
Tracking of all incoming /Outgoing Shipments
Answering of clients' needs
Motor Vehicle Registration, Registration & De-registration
Submitting daily reports for all imports/Exports Transactions.
Clearance of cargo; JKIA, KRA-Times Tower, ICD-Embakasi, Namanga, Mombasa & Malaba
Updating and filling all data records
Bonds Cancellation and Management