THE ongoing road constructions in Kenya have spurred global logistics firm DHL to increase outlets in the country from the current 30 to 500 within the next few years, the management has said.

DHL Express global chief Ken Allen, who is currently on a business tour, in the country has said as one of its main hubs in Africa, Kenya will benefit from a far reaching expansion programme of the company's services.

DHL, which has been operating in the country for the last 33 years, noted that Kenya was important regionally as it provides the third largest market in Africa for the firm.

DHL Kenya CEO Ahmed Abdi said the firm is keen on connecting local SMEs to the global market and will thus take advantage of the ongoing devolution in the country to create a presence in the counties.

"We normally position our global hubs where governments are working with us to make things easier, where there is streamlined transfer processes that facilitate trade," said Allen yesterday.

The company said that the major challenge for Africa for logistics operators was infrastructure.

"We are currently currently transporting over 80 per cent of our cargo by air which can be between three and nine times more expensive than road or rail," noted allen.