The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has warned long-distance truck drivers against travelling along the Nimule-Juba highway in South Sudan after 4 pm due to rising insecurity.
The association, in a statement on Monday evening, said the curfew was imposed following recent consultations with the South Sudanese government.
According to KTA Chairperson Newton Wang'oo, travelling beyond 4 pm was highly discouraged because most criminal incidents along the highway occurred mostly in the evening and at night.
In the warning notice, all truck drivers were urged to ensure that their trucks are packed at the designated secure locations before or by 4 pm.
“Following recent engagements with government representatives of South Sudan regarding rising insecurity along the Nimule-Juba Highway, all truck movement beyond 16 hours is strictly discouraged.
“Reports indicate that most criminal incidents occur during evening and night hours. Please ensure all trucks are parked in a secure location by 16 hours,” said Wang'oo.
Kenyan motorists facing challenges, including threats and harassment during their journey to South Sudan, were urged to contact the Association's Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Ireri, by phone.
The latest warning comes amid several incidents of attacks, killings, and vandalism of trucks along the Nimule-Juba highway, prompting concerns from long-distance truck drivers.
In January last year, four Kenyan truck drivers were killed by armed militia along the route, sparking fears among motorists who demanded intervention from South Sudan President Salva Kiir.
While protesting the deaths of the four drivers, the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) demanded a military escort from the South Sudanese administration.
“LoDDCA is deeply saddened and outraged by the recent attack on one of our drivers, which occurred on Lanya Road in South Sudan,” the statement read in part.
“As an association, we are calling for the Government of South Sudan to take immediate and effective measures to provide adequate security for all drivers operating within the region.”
In their plea to Salva Kiir's administration, the truck drivers also called on the South Sudan government to ensure the clearance of all bushes that border the Nimule-Juba Highway.
