This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
June 24, 2020, marked a day of intense debate in the transport sector as players accused the government of frustrating their road operations to force them to use the Standard Gauge Railway.
According to the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA), the government's latest move is the suspension of issuance of Covid-19 certificates to cargo crew, forcing importers to use the SGR.
'At the moment, the government is testing less than 50 truck drivers per day. There are not enough testing kits being provided for the exercise, but we know this is a government ploy to frustrate us,' said Mr. Ombok, the KTA Executive Director.
Transport players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's directive, stating that they should be allowed to use the road if they prefer.
The transporters have pledged to support the suit filed by activist Okiya Omtatah challenging the compulsory use of the SGR direct from Mombasa to Naivasha.
Transport Secretary James Macharia had ordered that goods be transported via the SGR to Naivasha Inland Container Depot from the Port of Mombasa for clearance, but the High Court temporarily suspended the directive last week.
Coast leaders have also weighed in on the issue, stating that they have met with Transport Secretary James Macharia and resolved contentious issues affecting Coast people.
Ken Trade chairman Suleiman Shahbal has called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to hold a meeting with Coast leaders and other sector players to find a lasting solution to the issue.
