Kenya and Netherlands have signed an agreement to build a Cool Logistics Corridor to help the former’s horticultural sector.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement, Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia said that the deal involves the development of a cool logistics corridor on the railway system for transportation of fresh produce to the port of Mombasa for onward export to Europe.
“To make the railway system ready for transporting refrigerated fresh produce, Kenya Railways Corporation has embarked on re-modification work to install reefer plug-in points for the containers,” said Macharia.
The collaboration aims at enhancing Kenya’s horticulture industry, a key foreign exchange earner valued at approximately 1.3 billion Euros.
According to Macharia the port of Mombasa, as well as the SGR station will be outfitted to support frozen horticultural product freight in order to boost international trade.
“The SGR network has the capacity and speed required to transport frozen fresh produce to the port of Mombasa from any consolidation centre along the rail line,” said CS.
At the same time, he assured that the government of Kenya is committed to any innovations that improves its capacities and economy.
“This partnership on development of cool logistics corridors for sea freight supply chains for fresh produce through the port of Mombasa will also mitigate carbon emissions.”
The Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, of the Netherlands, Liesje Schreinemacher said that the Kingdom of Netherlands is committed to creating a sustainable sea freight solution for fresh produce that will reinforce Kenya as a region.
