Transportation through the Kenyan port continues to grow even as the port struggle to find storage and keep up with the growing numbers.
According to the managing director Kenya Ports Authority, Dr Arch Daniel Manduku, in the first 6 months of 2018, the Kenyan Port handled 15.3 Million tons, compared to 15 million tons the same period last year indicating an increase of 358,853 tons.
‘’In the same period, container traffic also increased by 30,964 TEUs, from 583.661 TEUs to 614.625 TEUs. Similarly, cargo destined to our transit markets grew by 7.3 per cent, from 4.3 million tons to 4.6 million tons while Trans-shipment traffic recorded 54,692 TEUs compared to 38,072 TEUs during the same period last year, an increase of 43.7 per cent.’’ Said the MD.
The MD also added that the developments in the sector put pressure on the port and terminal operators to expand capacity and modernize facilities to accommodate larger ships like the OOCL Hong Kong which is 400 meters long and has a capacity of 21,413 TEUs.
‘’ Equally, the ultra-competitive environment and complexity of supply chains requires reliable actors notably; Producers, logistics providers and ocean carriers, to provide services with few interruptions.’’ He said.
However according to transport Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia the government is aware of the complaints by investor and shareholders in the transport sector who have complained of congestion and slow process at the Inland Container Deport (ICD) in Nairobi and is working other agencies to address to the issues.
‘’The Nairobi facility was upgraded, and its annual capacity expanded from 180,000 TEUs to 450,000 TEUs. We are aware that since we commissioned the freight service, operations at the ICD have been at optimal levels. However, owing to slow cargo evacuation from the depot and mix of logistical hitches, we have been experiencing intermittent congestion.’’ Said the transport CS.
Kenya’s port is currently ranked 6th in Africa serving other countries such as Uganda, South Sudan and Rwanda in East Africa.
