The Inter Governmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS) is a regional Organisation formed in 1967 by the Member States of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia to take care of their common Shipping, Maritime and Logistics Interests. In fulfilment of its Mandate, and in recognition of the international nature of Shipping and Logistics, ISCOS works and collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders both regionally and internationally. ISCOS is a preferred point of reference for surface and sea transportation matters affecting the region and continues to be the main interface between the regions’ Shippers (cargo owners) and the greater shipping world. The Organisation’s Mandate, which accommodates substantial private sector participation, seeks to provide a structured dialogue with the Public Sector and other players in the industry, in order to ensure that national Shipping and Maritime policies are in tandem with the regional’s aspirations. ISCOS’ main objective is to serve the region and the international community as one stop Center of Excellence for regional Maritime matters and total logistics, and to ensure that the region is served by adequate and competitive shipping services through coherent and regionally coordinated programmes.
Our Leadership
Mr. James W. Macharia
ISCOS Chairman – Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works, Republic of Kenya
Mr. Kassim K. Mpaata
Ag. SECRETARY GENERAL
Trade Statics and Information
Get comprehensive, timely and reliable ISCOS updates on trade all around the region:
- International Trade Statistics
- Infrastructure Statistics Bulletin
- Trends and statistics analysis
- Various stakeholders advisory, advocacy
Shipping statistics and Information
- Get to see traffic volumes through our ports
- Get to understand shipping matters and terminologies
- Be familiar with different container service options to get the service you expect
- Understand the various terms applied in shipping industry
Non Tariff Barriers
A mobile phone-based trade facilitation tool has been developed by ISCOS for
- Monitoring,
- Reporting and
- Resolving Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) that are encountered by users of ports and trade corridors.
Downloads
Get free access to downloads on the latest insights, news and general updates The information sourced from a wide range of activities May be used as reference in engagement with ISCOS or for informational purposes
Gallery
Discover and explore the wide scope of activities that ISCOS is involved with through our media gallery. Photos,video clips and any other type of media on the gallery is captured from…
Latest News
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25NovISCOS Assembly of Ministers
The 6th Meeting of the ISCOS Assembly of Ministers held at Malaika Beach Resort in Mwanza, Tanzania on 19th November 2019
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25NovMeeting of the ISCOS Coordination Committee
The 13th Meeting of the ISCOS Coordination Committee held at Malaika Beach Resort in Mwanza, Tanzania on 18th November 2019
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14OctCoordination Committee
Meeting of the Coordination Committee that was held on Thursday 3rd to Friday 4th October 2019 at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania
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FAQ
ISCOS is currently constituted by four member states of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia as Full Member; however membership is open to other states in the Eastern, Central and Southern African States and any other states as may be determined by the Assembly as Full member category. Membership is also open to organizations associated with maritime activities.
ISCOS is an acronym for Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping.
No, ISCOS executes its daily activities through its Secretariat head quartered in Mombasa, Kenya. However more offices can be opened if need arises.
It promotes and advocates for efficient and competitive shipping and maritime services in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.
ISCOS is mainly funded by its member states namely; Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Occasionally, some of ISCOS activity programs are co-funded by development partners.
Vacancies
