Exporters using a newly launched Sh22 billion ultra-modern inland container depot in Nairobi will be offered 50 per cent discount, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
“To support our exporters, both local and regional, we will offer 50 percent discount for transporting goods from the Nairobi Inland Container Depot and the Port of Mombasa,” he said according to PSCU.
The President further directed the Ministry of Transport to ensure that the 22 agencies, which are members of the Mombasa Port Charter, address all hurdles in the system to allow the private sector do business within the new facility.
Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Railways Corporation, Kenya National Highways Authority, Kenya Pipeline Company Limited, Kenya Trade Network Agency, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya National Police Service and the Kenya Bureau of Standards are among the 22 agencies named by the President.
The inland container depot will be linked to the SGR which is in the second phase.
He said this will improve the management and transportation of the cargo within the country
“The high speed, high capacity and efficient Standard Gauge Railway network will serve as an important link between the Port of Mombasa and the Inland Container Depot.”
Besides the facility improving the economy of the country, he underscored it will create job opportunities for Kenya’s youths.
“We have spoken, often, of the transformation that high-quality public infrastructure investment can bring in the lives of our people. It grows our economy; it generates jobs; and it builds skills which our young men and women need to prosper. The container depot we are launching today is one such investment.”
Uhuru’s key pillar in his second term will be developing infrastructure. The President noted that with proper infrastructure in the country, proper jobs for Kenyans can be created and grow the economy of the country.