This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
On August 8, 2019, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia defended the government's plan to transport all cargo imports through the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The plan, which has been met with resistance from some MPs, aims to reduce the number of cargo imports that are transported through the port city of Mombasa.
According to Macharia, the decision was made after it was discovered that many importers were colluding with Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Ports Authority officials to evade taxes.
He cited cases of importers declaring cargo meant for other destinations to land in Mombasa, and said that there were many such cases at the Mariakani weighbridge.
MPs had expressed concerns that implementing the directive would lead to millions of people losing their jobs at Container Freight Stations and clearing and forwarding agents.
However, Macharia downplayed these fears, arguing that the SGR directive would create more opportunities.
The National Assembly Transport Committee directed Macharia to engage with stakeholders and ensure that all interests were taken care of before implementing the policy.
