This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Published on December 7, 2019, the government has announced plans to wind up operations of Container Freight Stations (CFS) in Mombasa through a new port to rail cargo clearance and transportation strategy.
Government spokesman Cyrus Oguna cited narcotics storage as one of the reasons for the move, stating that some CFSs have been storing and handling drugs that find their way into the market.
“There have been incidents of narcotics in the CFSs and also a lot of other issues going in there and we don’t know who handles what in the CFSs, so we are looking to improve the security,” said Col (Rtd) Oguna.
He also noted that some CFSs have been evading paying tax to the government, with the spokesman vowing to seal loopholes used to evade paying tax.
“So as we improve our services at the port, we are sealing loopholes used to evade paying tax so we can benefit all Kenyans and not just a few who steal from government,” said Oguna.
The government has directed management to stop cargo nominations to the CFSs, with an email sent by the head of container operations Edward Opiyo to KPA managing director Daniel Manduku stating, “Team, please stop any further CFS nominations with immediate effect.”
Government spokesman Cyrus Oguna dismissed allegations that the government had shut down the CFSs, stating that they no longer have any business as cargo is transported straight from the port to the intended destination or to the Inland Container Deport in Embakasi.
