This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
Kenya Ports Authority's (KPA) recent directive to stop cargo nominations to container freight stations (CFSs) in Mombasa has sparked concerns about the potential loss of jobs and the shutdown of over 20 stations in the Coast region.
According to a communication seen by the Nation, KPA directed its management to stop cargo nominations to the stations on August 14, 2019. The email, sent by the head of container operations Edward Opiyo, read: 'Team, please stop any further CFS nominations with immediate effect.' Those already documented were allowed to clear their cargo by 7:00 am.
Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association chairman Roy Mwanthi has expressed opposition to the decision, calling it a 'clear way of killing the stations.' He argued that the directive would render hundreds of employees jobless and create confusion among businesses, leading to congestion at the port.
Mr. Mwanthi also faulted KPA for coming up with strategies that could cripple the economy. He urged the government to revoke the order, stating that the shipping industry needs clear guidelines, not directives that cause confusion.
