The SGR cargo train. [Photo/ businessdailyafrica.com]
Clearing and forwarding agents want issues regarding efficiency in clearance of cargo in Nairobi resolved before they can freely transport goods on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).The agents have outlined a number of issues they want the government to address before they start nominating cargo for transportation from Mombasa to Nairobi on the SGR freight trains.The agents who met in Nairobi last week resolved to seek assurance from Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) on the specific time it will take between loading, arrival, and clearance of cargo so as to minimize costs of business.Resolutions of the meeting indicate that the agents also demanded closer collaboration with stakeholders to improve the situation which they claim has made SGR allegedly fail to convince importers, through clearing agents, to move cargo on the line.Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association chairman William Ojonyo said while agents appreciate the cost relief and transit time reduction by SGR, the four days free storage time given at its terminal may not be enough and could lead to higher demurrage fees.This, he explained, is due to inefficiency in clearing procedures at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Embakasi, Nairobi. “Agents resolve to be given at least 30 days storage free days at ICD to clear and evacuate their cargo,” said Ojonyo.“They also want to be assured of similar benefits as the ones they have been enjoying at Mombasa’s Container Freight Stations,” he added.President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the upgraded ICD in Embakasi on December 16 last year, paving way for the launch of the SGR Cargo Services.The upgraded depot will go a long way in decongesting the port of Mombasa thus enhancing efficiency in the transport and logistics sector. The Head of State said the government is committed to lowering the cost of doing business through investment in enabling infrastructure.“Over the last four years the government has invested in the expansion of the country’s transport and infrastructure network with a view to reducing the cost of doing business while creating new business and employment opportunities,” said Kenyatta.