This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
Kenya's government has backed down on its plan to make the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) the mandatory medium of transport for cargo from the Port of Mombasa, following sustained resistance from neighboring economies.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia told Parliament last week that regional governments demanded additional developments at the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD) before the directive to pick cargo from the facility could be feasible.
On May 27, the government announced that all transit cargo would be cleared at the Naivasha ICD starting June 1, but this move was met with opposition from Mombasa politicians.
David Pkosing, Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Transport, said that stakeholders had requested additional infrastructure investment within the Naivasha ICD, including an expanded marshalling yard.
Mr. Pkosing stated that Macharia had confirmed that the Ministry is undertaking additional investments at the Naivasha ICD, including an expanded marshaling yard, and that works are expected to be completed by July 15.
As a result, the directive that transporters pick cargo destined for transit from Naivasha ICD is no longer compulsory, and its usage is now optional.
Mr. Pkosing said that the committee and Mr. Macharia had reached an agreement that the directive be put on hold pending consultations with local and regional stakeholders.
Published on July 6, 2020, at 9:56 AM.
