The Government has announced plans to implement a national addressing system in the country. According to Information and Communications Permanent Secretary Dr. Bitange Ndemo, an inter-ministerial committee has already been set up to spearhead the national addressing project.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2nd Annual Postal Forum today, Dr. Ndemo said a national address system would facilitate identification of citizens, revenue collection, better management of our cities, and provision of efficient rescue services.

The system would also assist provision of security and utility services, and a host of other services including efficient delivery of postal/courier items.

The Permanent Secretary said the post should re-orient itself to serve as the link between people and businesses, as the traditional role of the post as a means of linking people through the mail had diminished. He said the shift in focus was critical in ensuring the sustainability of the post. Dr. Ndemo also challenged postal operators to take advantage of ICTs to diversify their service product offerings, and to exploit the potential of Small and Medium Enterprises in dometic and cross-border trade.

In his welcome remarks, CCK Director-General Mr. Charles J.K. Njoroge said having a national addressing system was critical for the success of postal/courier services through facilitation of efficient and fast delivery of postal/courier items. He said addresses were one of the bases for national and international communication and trade.

The annual postal forum is organized every year by the Commission to discuss issues of interest to the postal/courier industry. The first annual postal forum was held in March 2009