This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On May 18th, 2020, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) took a crucial step to mitigate the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on its customers by extending the free cargo storage period.
According to Acting KPA MD Rashid Salim, the KPA wishes to announce the extension of the free storage period to its customers, as part of its efforts to cushion them against the impact of the Coronavirus.
Effective May 18th, KPA increased the free storage days for domestic export containers from nine days to 15 days. Transit import containers now enjoy 14 days of free storage at the port and the Embakasi Inland Container Depot (ICD). Additionally, transit import containers will now access 30 days of free storage at the Naivasha ICD, while domestic import containers will not benefit from the extension, with the current free storage remaining at four days.
Clearing agents, through The Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA), have welcomed the new changes. However, FEAFFA still calls upon East African Governments and shipping lines to extend free storage periods. Importers also request shipping agents to increase the demurrage period to cushion against extra expenses from delays in cargo clearances.
"We welcome the KPA move. It will now enable our members to carry out their business operations smoothly. However, we will continue to engage KPA to have a similar concession extended on domestic imports," said Fred Seka, President FEAFFA.
