Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS), James Macharia, on Thursday reshuffled senior government officials working at the Mombasa port over performance and governance issues.
The CS regrouped 14 senior managers in different departments in order to improve the work efficiency at the port.
At the same time, CS Macharia gave the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Railways directors 48 hours to ensure all cargo was transported via the Standard Gauge Railway freight services.
"I'm directing the directors responsible (KPA and KRA) to fix all the loose nuts and bolts within the next 48 hours," he stated.
[caption caption="Transport CS James Macharia and Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria (Facebook)"]
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He made this directive in reference to the protests by clearing agents, truck transporters and owners of Container freight stations (CFSs) who called for cargo not to only be transported via the railway.
Speaking during the review of the Mombasa Port Community Charter at Pride Inn Hotel, he stated: "We do not mean to be draconian, but if need be, we shall be draconian."
"We cannot allow people [to interfere with] this project for their personal businesses. The SGR is not an individual's investment, therefore, we need to come together and support it," he noted.
He stated that the CFS was established when there was congestion at the port but explained that, following the expansion of the port, there was no need to continue storing cargo destined for Nairobi and beyond at local CFSs.
Kenya Shippers Council (KSC) Chief Executive Officer Gilbert Langat supported the owners of CFSs, stating that the clearing agents had the authority to nominate cargo to either a CFS or the Inland Container Depot in Nairobi.
[caption caption="Transport CS James Macharia"]
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"The only cargo that will be transported to Nairobi via the SGR is the unnominated cargo destined for Nairobi and beyond," Lang'at stated.
