Yesterday, the Kenya Ports Authority extended the free cargo storage period to cushion its customers against the impact of Coronavirus.
“Kenyan Ports Authority wishes to announce to the general public of extension of free storage period to its customers. This is in line with our continuous and deliberate efforts of cushioning customers on the effects of the Coronavirus, which have impacted the whole transport logistics chain.”
Acting KPA MD Rashid Salim
Effective 18th May, KPA increased free storage days from the previous nine days to 15 days for domestic export containers. Similarly, transit import containers now enjoy 14 days of free storage at the port and the Embakasi Inland Container Depot (ICD).
Additionally, transit Import Containers will now access 30 days of free storage at the Naivasha ICD. However, domestics import containers will not benefit from the extension as the current free storage remains at 4 days.
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Nevertheless, importers in the region believe that KPA can provide better cushions during the pandemic. Earlier, importers requested KPA to increase the free cargo period from four to 11 days for local cargo and from nine to 21 days for transit cargo.
Clearing agents, through The Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA), have embraced the new changes. However, FEAFFA still calls upon East African Governments and shipping lines to extend free storage periods. Similarly, importers request shipping agents to increase the demurrage period to cushion against extra expenses from delays in cargo clearances.
We welcome the KPA move. It will now enable our members to carry out their business operations smoothly. However, we will continue to engage KPA to have a similar concession extended on domestic imports.
Fred Seka, President FEAFFA.