Patrick Jaramogi
8 November 2009
Kampala — KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) is stuck with over 6,000 containers destined for Uganda, the ports' managing director said on Friday.
"As we talk now, 6,800 containers are stuck at the port with only 3000 having documents. The others that do not have are targets for thieves. Please help us clear these and create space for others," James Mulewa said.
It is the duty of the KPA to ensure the flow of goods along the northern corridor, he said.
"We are doing our best to reduce delays and ease cargo freight in transit. We appeal to Ugandan importers to utilise the 24-hour, seven days a week clearance policy to dispose of their cargo," he added.
Mulewa was addressing importers, clearing agents and freight forwarders at a stakeholders forum at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
He said KPA was upgrading the Mombasa port into a modern hub that will handle ships with a capacity of over 6,000 containers.
"Mombasa port has a capacity to handle 650,000 tonnes of cargo a day and we hardly have space. That is why we want all cargo cleared in record eight days," Mulewa said.
"Help us clear the cargo so as to create space for other incoming ships," he requested.
In addition, Eng. Joseph Atonga, the KPA's chief operations manager, said a new terminal to handle transit containers would be constructed next year.
"We have since October 1, scrapped off the tariffs on scanning and verification of 20-feet containers that used to cost $20 (about sh40,00), as well as $110 for the 40-feet containers," he said.
"All this was done to trim down costs on imports of goods," Atonga added.
During the dialogue, Herbert Kabafunzaki, representing the Uganda Freight Forwarders Association, requested that the freight storage free days be increased from 11 to at least 21 days.
"The 24-hour, seven day policy cannot work for Ugandan businesspeople. It best suits the Kenyan business people," he aargued.
Kabafunzaki, who is also the chief executive officer of Berteen Business Systems, a firm that has handles import and export, raised the issue of theft of cargo in transit.
"Incase we clear our cargo past 8pm, how sure are we of its safety in transit from Mombasa to Malaba?" he asked.
He urged freight agents to unite and work as a team if their issues are to be ironed out.
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