Kenya has revoked the directive requiring all inbound cargo destined for Nairobi and beyond to use the standard gauge railway.
In May, Transport CS James Macharia issued a directive requiring all cargo destined for Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan be transported via SGR for clearance at the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD).
The government bowed to pressure from regional economies that use Mombasa port for imports. In particular, Uganda and Congo business communities protested the directive saying it would increase the price of their imported goods.
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Furthermore, Transport CS said that the regional governments asked for additional development on the Naivasha ICD. Some of the changes needed at the Inland Container Depot are; expanding the marshaling yard, and increasing the customs and clearing staff.
Mr. Macharia said that the directive that transporters pick cargo destined for transit from Naivasha ICD is no longer compulsory but is now optional. He added that the Kenyan authorities will hold consultative talks with local and regional stakeholders on the way forward.
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