This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
Kenya's Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has announced a temporary reprieve for freighters, allowing them to continue transporting goods by truck from the port city.
According to a statement made by David Pkosing, chairman of the Transport committee, Macharia revealed that regional governments have requested additional developments at the Naivasha inland container depot (ICD) before the directive to pick cargo from the depot can be implemented.
On May 1, Macharia announced that all cargo destined for Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan would be transported through the SGR for clearance at the ICD, starting June 1. However, this directive has been put on hold pending consultations with local and regional stakeholders.
Regional governments have requested additional infrastructure investment within the Naivasha ICD, including an expanded marshalling yard, which is expected to be completed by July 15.
The directive was initially informed by the need to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, but it has now been made optional.
