This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
Kenya has backed down from its earlier directive on the use of standard gauge railway (SGR) for all cargo destined to Nairobi and beyond following pressure from regional economies.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia told Parliament that regional governments demanded additional developments at the Naivasha inland container depot (ICD) before the directive to pick cargo from the facility can be implemented.
Regional governments had requested additional infrastructure investment within the Naivasha ICD, including an expanded marshalling yard, according to David Pkosing, who chairs the Transport committee.
Mr. Pkosing said that the Ministry of Transport is undertaking additional investments at the Naivasha ICD, including an expanded marshalling yard, and works are expected to be completed by July 15.
The decision is a huge reprieve to freighters who risked losing hundreds of jobs following the ban on use of trucks to transport cargo from Mombasa.
On May 1, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia announced that all cargo destined for Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan will be transported through the SGR for clearance at the ICD starting June 1.
