Posta Kenya to launch bus service to grow revenues

ICT CS Fred Matiang’i speaks at an event at the General Post Office in Nairobi on July 30, 2013. FILE PHOTO | DIANA NGILA |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By WINFRED KURIA
More by this Author

Postal Corporation of Kenya (Posta) is eyeing the transport sector in a bid to grow its revenue.

The company is looking to introduce a fleet of the “post liner” buses to serve both passenger and parcel businesses across the country.

Posta Kenya expects to increase its revenue from Sh3.6 billion to Sh14 billion in the next three years through the bus service in addition to its mail, courier and payment services.

The bus service is awaiting approval from the National Transport Service Commission of Kenya before it can be launched.

The bus service is aimed at reducing tariffs charged for parcel and letter transportation.

“By having the 62-seater buses, transportation of parcels and goods will be much easier and cheaper.

“The bus will have 42 seats for passenger occupants and the rest for deliverables,” said Postmaster-General Enock Kinara.

In a media briefing, the postmaster-general also expressed plans to digitise postal services.

He said the company has already partnered with international e-commerce platforms, such as Jumia and Kilimall, to use postal branches as drop off and pick up points for goods.

Among other services in the pipeline aimed at implementing technology in the company include virtual post office (email), Posta Pesa and electronic delivery boxes to eliminate person-to-person delivery.