Kenya Ports Authority has employed the order to return port jobs to Mombasa after revoking the notice on compulsory ferrying of cargo using the Standard Gauge Railway issued in 2018.
Managing Director John Mwangemi said that President William Ruto’s directive of reversing all port activities to Mombasa will be implemented.
“Kenya Ports Authority wishes to confirm its commitment to implement the directive by his Excellency the President during his inauguration that clearing of all goods and other attendant operational issues revert to Mombasa,” Mwangemi said in a statement.
He informed all shipping lines that shipping importers are free to choose the documentation of place of clearance and mode of transport for their goods.
“Shipping lines are hereby advised to facilitate importers’ nomination of a place of clearance including port clearance, Kenya Revenue Authority’s licensed Container Freight Station (CFSs), and KPA’s Inland container depots,” he said
He also added that the notice vacates that of June 6, 2018.
Director in charge of Northern Corridor Authority Omae Nyarandi said the directive of reinstating all port services to the Coast is a sign for stakeholders in the aspect of cost.
Nyarandi added that the railway failed to attract stakeholders because of hidden charges in the last mile.
“Currently road transport is cheaper than railway because by road from Mombasa to Nairobi it costs between Sh70,000 and Sh100,000 but via railway, although it costs Sh70,000 from Mombasa to Nairobi, by the time you pay the cost of transport from the ICD to the final destination and the return of empty container, it becomes more expensive,” he said.
He also said that the new directive will stimulate healthy competition in various means of transport as participants are free to choose.