Trucks parked within the main container terminal at the port of Mombasa.
The association of importers has welcomed Kenya Ports Authority’s move
to reduce free storage time of cargo from nine to five days. PHOTO|
FILE
Photo/FILE
The association of importers has welcomed Kenya Ports
Authority’s move to reduce free storage time of cargo from nine to five
days.
In a statement Friday association said the move
will bar both importers and exporters from using the centre as storage, a
situation that has contributed to gridlock in the past.
KPA managing director Gichiri Ndua said improved efficiency of cargo handling at the harbour informed their decision.
The association chairman Peter Mambembe said reducing free storage time “will correct the mess in the port by the users”.
He
termed the plan as wise and urged Container Freight Services (CFSs)
appointed by the importers to facilitate clearance of goods from the
port to their stations adding that the change was in step with
provisions of KPA law.
“CFSs should facilitate this
accordingly to make sure there is 100 per cent compliance with the
amendments of the Kenya Ports Authority,” he said.
“The
disgruntled clearing and forwarding agents are trying to mislead port
users because the move is lawful and meant to reduce congestion and
create more efficiency in the port,” said Mr Mambembe.
He
said the move was in the right direction “and those vilifying the
operations of the port have a hidden agenda and wasting time,” he said.
Mr
Ndua hailed the standard gauge railway project saying implementing it
would result in tremendous improvement in cargo transport within the
Northern corridor reducing the time taken to ferry cargo from the port
to inland destinations within the Eastern Africa.
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