KPA Extends Free Cargo Storage to Importers and Exporters at Naivasha ICD

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced an extension of cargo storage at the newly-launched Naivasha inland container depot (ICD) to exporters and Importers.

The move by KPA is aimed at cushioning cargo owners against high charges levied as their consignment is stored awaiting clearance during the Covid-19 pandemic which has negatively affected importers and exporters in the country.

Under the new arrangement, transit import cargo at ICD Naivasha will get a 30-day free storage period which the depot did not provide earlier.

Exporters from regional countries using Mombasa port to ship out goods have been offered 20 days of free storage from 15 days, domestic export containers will be allowed a 15-day free storage period, up from nine days while transit import containers at port and Inland Container Depot (ICD) Embakasi will get 14 days free, also previously fixed at nine days.

In a notice, KPA acting managing director Rashid Salim said the transitory cost reprieve for international traders would last 90 days from Monday, May 18, with a further review dependent on changes in business dynamics in the face of the biting Covid-19 crisis.

“This (review) is in line with our continuous and deliberate efforts of cushioning our customers from effects of coronavirus, which have impacted the whole transport logistics chain,” Mr. Salim said in the notice.

The EAC Secretariat has also asked partner states to consider waiving ports and border handling charges on essential items as Covid-19 containment measures prolong cargo clearance.

Recently the EAC countries, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, made an agreement to conduct mandatory testing of truck drivers for Covid-19 at the point of departure.