This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
Published on June 24, 2020, the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has raised concerns over delayed processing of coronavirus results for truck drivers.
The delayed clearance is having a negative impact on trucking businesses, with some drivers waiting for 9 to 14 days at the borders to get their results.
According to KTA Chief Operating Officer Mercy Ireri, the delay is posing a serious threat to the transport industry. Manufacturers and transporters are unable to agree on who bears accommodation costs incurred by drivers as they wait for the results, further compounding the crisis.
"If there is delay, it increases the operations costs, then what this means is that the transporter will also try to reduce the workforce. If you are also not able to evacuate your cargo and we only have four free days, then it means you also pay for storage," Ireri said.
The government made it mandatory for truck drivers to take COVID-19 tests 48 hours before entering or exiting border points on May 6. However, the decision has led to long queues at border posts, causing traffic snarl-ups as truck drivers await to be tested and cleared to travel.
