KPA vacates order demanding mandatory use of SGR by importers
Importers are now free to choose the mode of transporting their cargo from the Port of Mombasa, a departure from an earlier directive by the government for mandatory use of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
In a note released on Monday, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has allowed importers the free choice on where to clear goods following President William Ruto’s recent orders requiring that all port operations revert to the Port of Mombasa.
KPA Acting Managing Director John Mwangemi has advised shipping lines and importer agents of the ‘free-choice’ window.
“This is, therefore, to notify all shipping lines that importers’ documentation of place of clearance and mode of transport for their goods shall be at their choice,” acting Mr Mwangemi said.
“Shipping lines are hereby advised to facilitate importers’ nomination of place of clearance, including port clearance, Kenya Revenue Authority’s licensed container freight stations (CFSs) and KPA’s inland container depots (ICDs). This notice supersedes the notice of 6th June 2018 on similar subject,” KPA said.
The President issued a directive a fortnight ago ordering that all cargo clearance be reverted to the Port of Mombasa.
For years, cargo transporters had been protesting the directive by former President Uhuru Kenyatta to haul their goods to Nairobi or Naivasha via the SGR for onward clearance, saying it had raised the cost of doing business significantly.
