Author: Wol Mapal | Published: 1 hour ago
Minister of Transport Rizik Zakaria Hassan (January 2024). (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President.)
The Minister of Transport, Rizik Zacharia Hassen, has dismissed claims that the government has made the use of railway transport mandatory and that traders are being unfairly charged high storage fees and given too little time to clear their goods at the Port of Mombasa.
Speaking to Eye Radio on Monday, Minister Rizik said the challenges currently faced by traders stem from misunderstandings about Container Freight Station (CFS) operations, not new government policies. He emphasized that his ministry is actively working to streamline cargo handling and improve trade efficiency.
A technical committee, formed under the minister’s leadership, recently reviewed the five companies previously authorized to handle South Sudan’s cargo in Mombasa. The review found that some firms either did not exist or lacked the capacity to manage the freight.
“Two of the companies were found not to exist at all, while another lacked adequate facility. The committee therefore recommended that only two companies, Autoport and Compact, continue to handle South Sudan’s cargo, as they possess the necessary capacity and infrastructure. Whoever complains there in Mombasa about congestion and carries it to the suspended companies should know this,” Minister Rizik said.
The minister urged traders to plan their logistics properly to avoid unnecessary delays, noting that the two approved companies are capable of handling the cargo efficiently. On the grace period for clearing goods, he maintained that the 14-day period is sufficient for any well-prepared businessperson.
“Fourteen days is more than enough for any serious businessperson to clear their goods. The delays often occur because some traders fail to plan ahead for the arrival and transportation of their cargo. A businessperson should have a clear plan from the time goods are shipped to when they are cleared and transported,” he said.
“Complaining about time limits reflects poor preparation. And by the way, we are not managing trains; we are managing the container freight stations. Transporting goods by rail is an added advantage, not a requirement or mandatory,” he added.
Minister Rizik also addressed concerns over the high container security fee charged by shipping lines, noting that South Sudanese traders currently pay $5,000 per container—higher than fees in neighbouring countries.
He confirmed that talks are ongoing with the Kenya Ports Authority and the Kenya Maritime Authority to have the fee reduced.
He called on traders to cooperate with authorities, be realistic in planning, and take responsibility for timely clearance of their goods, assuring that the government remains committed to easing trade and reducing costs at the port.
