The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has extended free cargo storage period for a further 3 months after expiry of earlier extension on 20th July this year.
Domestic import containers free storage period was extended from 4 to 5 days, last year when Mombasa port faced delays that were occasioned by the strict measures that were put in place to contain COVID 19. Domestic export containers will enjoy a free storage period of 15 days compared to the 9 days before the pandemic.
These changes were announced through a public notice.
Transit import containers at the port and Inland Container Depot in Embakasi has been extended from 9 to 15 days. Transit export containers will enjoy a free storage period of 20 days from the current 15 days.
The storage terms first came into effect on May 18 and ran for three months to August 18. They were extended to November 13, as KPA moved to cushion importers, exporters and transporters from the impact the pandemic has had on the transport and logistics sector.
Importers and exporters incur charges of between $30 (Sh 3,348) and $90 (Sh10,044) per day for cargo that has stayed beyond the free storage period and over 24 days, depending on the size of the container.
Containers released by KRA and not collected after 24 hours are charged $100 (Sh11,161) and $200 (Sh22,322) per day for 20ft and 40ft, respectively.
The extension comes when KPA cargo volumes have returned to pre-COVID-19 period by recording a sharp increase in the cargo volumes handled in the first quarter.
