Uproar over Kenya Railways plan to have all cargo ferried by rail from Mombasa port to Malaba
Stakeholders in the transport sector have decried a plan by the Kenya Railways (KR) to settle on Rail transport
for cargo from the Mombasa port to Malaba.
Kenya Railways wants cargo transported from Mombasa to the Inland Container
Depot (ICD) in Mai Mahiu using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)
after which Mai Mahiu-Longonot railway will transport it to Malaba through the newly constructed meter-gauge
railway line.
The move by KR is centred on boosting economic growth in terms of saving on costs associated with road transport, reducing transportation time
and minimizing road accidents believed to be caused by trailers.
During a launch of the trial train from Mombasa on Monday, Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Maingi noted that trucks currently take about four days to arrive at Malaba from Mombasa a distance that will take only 28 hours by rail if it is initiated.
“This will not only reduce traffic on the roads but also cut
down the expenses incurred by companies and individuals while ferrying cargo,”
Maingi said.
“We expect the clearing and forwarding operations to be conducted around Longonot and Mai Mahiu which is now one of the fastest-growing towns in the country,” he said.
Chairman of the truck drivers’ association, Samson Makhoha has faulted the idea by KR saying that it would lead to massive job losses and collapse of businesses for towns along the busy Mombasa highway.
Makhoha explained that the towns’ economic backbone has been the benefits they get from road users, adding that many sources of livelihood would be injured.
“It will mean job losses for tens of drivers, mechanics and even insurance companies that insure cargo and vehicles,” he said.
Makhoha added: "Towns along the Mombasa- Nairobi- Malaba highway that depended on truck
drivers will suffer a painful death.”
Similarly, cargo interveners in Mombasa on Thursday, underscored
that road transport would face a major hitch since it has benefited hugely from
the sector.
“The new program would deal a blow to the road transport sector which is dependent on the last mile business to remain afloat,” they explained.
"A thorough bill of lading system (TBL) should also be introduced to guarantee the security and safety of the cargo,"
“We opposed it last year because the systems were not in place. If implemented haphazardly it could lead to delays which would attract demurrages."
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