Railways goes online to free up nairobi ICD

Kenya Railways managing director Atanas Maina. FILE PHOTO | NMG 

By BONFACE OTIENO

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Summary

• The government is campaigning to drive more cargo to the new rail from the roads after its use registered poor response.

Kenya Railways has upgraded its online presence to allow confirmation of cargo arrival through its website in an effort to free up the Nairobi Inland Container Depot in anticipation of a build-up when SGR use picks up.

KR managing director Atanas Maina said on Tuesday the move is aimed at a faster collection of cargo to avoid congestion at the facility that was upgraded at Sh23 billion.

“Customers can now confirm the arrival of their containers transported via the SGR [standard gauge railway] via our website. If customers do not collect their cargo on time, we run a risk of congestion at the ICD,” he said.

The government is campaigning to drive more cargo to the new rail from the roads after its use registered poor response.

Reduction of tariffs and outright directive that ministries, departments and agencies transport cargo through the rails are some of the steps so far taken to boost use of the Sh327 billion rail line in moving goods.

The city ICD can handle 450,000 20-foot equivalent units per annum, after the expansion. It is receiving three trains carrying 324 units daily up from 108 in January, showing the government drive was bearing fruit.