Transporters Warn Protests Will Hurt Regional Trade

Transporters have raised concerns over the adverse effect likely to be caused by the ongoing protests. They claim that the violence could disrupt business for Kenya and her neighboring countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan that rely on Mombasa Port.

The transporters claim that businesses might incur huge losses if the cargo is delayed or looted by protestors. The importers are likely to experience an inconsistent flow of goods as a result.

Newtown Wang’oo, the Chairman Kenya Transport Association, said that they intend to park their trucks on Mondays and Thursdays every week to avoid any attacks on the trucks or the cargo. The chairman estimated that transporters are likely to lose about Kshs 200 million weekly. Additionally, this will choke the port of Mombasa and other Kenya Ports Authorities facilities.

“We had resolved to suspend our services every Monday to give room for demonstrations as we remain safe but with an additional day (Thursday) for protests, we have no option but to park our trucks two days a week,” said Newton.

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Consequently, Mombasa port is likely to get congested due to the delays by the trucks to dispatch the goods to the importers. In fact, some traders are considering using the Central Corridor which begins Dar-es-Salaam.

“The situation is not conducive to traders and the effects will be long-term. That is why we are asking the government to ensure goods and properties are protected,” Said Roy Mwanthi, the Chair of Kenya International Freight & Warehousing Association.

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