The newly elected chairman of the Kenya International and Freight Forwarders Association (KIFWA) assumes leadership at a critical juncture in the logistics sector. As global trade dynamics shift, he must navigate a landscape marked by complex tax regulations, evolving technologies, and persistent industry challenges. Young, tech-savvy, and an avid reader, he brings a fresh perspective to an industry that struggles with limited institutional support.
Beyond taxation, freight forwarders contend with non-tariff barriers that slow cargo movement, capacity constraints that hinder efficiency, and the rapid advancement of digital solutions that demand continuous adaptation.
From regional trade restrictions to the adoption of blockchain and AI-driven logistics, the new chairman faces the task of steering KIFWA toward innovation while advocating for policies that facilitate seamless trade.
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law at Mount Kenya University, he brings a strong legal foundation to the freight logistics industry. With a deep understanding of customs and tax regulations, he considers himself an expert in the field.
His legal training equips him with the skills to navigate complex compliance requirements, interpret evolving trade policies, and advocate for fair industry practices. Although his entry into freight logistics was purely accidental, his legal expertise is now a crucial asset in streamlining operations and ensuring regulatory compliance within Kenya’s logistics sector.
After initially missing out on the opportunity to pursue his passion for law or journalism due to high competition and stringent cut-off points, he spent seven months in Nairobi with his elder brother, uncertain about his next step. A turning point came when he discovered a security officer at a company offering a modest salary for a young man. After a brief training, he was stationed at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) headquarters as a security guard before being transferred to the Freight Handling Terminal shed days later.
Though far from his original aspirations, this experience exposed him to the structured environment of legal and regulatory frameworks governing airport security and cargo handling. The exposure reignited his interest in law, shaping his decision to eventually pursue legal studies. Now, as he trains in law, he draws from these early experiences, appreciating the intricate relationship between security, corporate policies, and legal compliance.
Within two weeks at the cargo sheds, he noticed the bustling activities around cargo handling. His long work shifts, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., didn’t deter his curiosity. Striking an arrangement with a colleague, he managed to free up time to work as a casual labourer in the sheds.
Eventually, he secured a casual position with Morgan Air, where he palletized cargo for aircraft. His enthusiasm and diligence led him to handling imports, running errands, and assisting with documentation, marking the birth of his freight logistics career.
“Recognizing how my experience underscored the importance of formal education in freight forwarding, I enrolled in a Diploma program in Clearing, Forwarding, and Shipping Management at Trans Eastern Airline Aviation College a year later. This decision marked a pivotal step in my professional development,” he reflects.
Upon graduation, a friend invited him to join Skylux Logistics Company, which he had just started, where he processed cargo clearance documentation. The flexibility of his employer allowed him to build an extensive network of clients.
“My deep involvement with Skylux also saw me representing the company in KIFWA’s political scene. In 2018, after serving for eight years, I joined the KIFWA board, eventually rising through the ranks as Branch Secretary, National Secretary, and now National Chairman,” Aloo said.
His election marks a departure from KIFWA’s tradition, where chairpersons were typically drawn from the Nairobi or Mombasa branches. His background and expertise convinced the board to elevate him to the top role.
He also holds a Diploma in Customs Administration from the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) and has undergone multiple industry-related training programmes.
His leadership comes at a pivotal moment for KIFWA, as the association continues to play a crucial role in customs revenue collection, facilitating nearly Ksh 800 billion annually, yet remains underappreciated in Kenya’s logistics policy framework. With his expertise, KIFWA stands to gain greater recognition and influence in policy discussions.
Additionally, his company, Bluedot Logistics, founded in 2023, is raising industry standards by providing consultancy services on legal and regulatory compliance in cargo clearance.
This initiative not only enhances professionalism within the sector but also helps importers avoid costly fines, ultimately strengthening KIFWA’s advocacy for a more efficient and well-regulated logistics industry.
“We have a very complex tax system, and clearing and forwarding firms must fully understand its intricacies to avoid huge losses to those they serve,” he notes.
One of his primary goals is to establish strong partnerships with regional associations, enabling KIFWA to enhance its influence and actively contribute to shaping the logistics industry.
“Through collaboration, KIFWA can address industry challenges more effectively, advocate for favourable policies, and create a unified voice that strengthens the sector’s growth and competitiveness,” Aloo said
“We aim to build strong regional partnerships, particularly within East Africa and beyond, and work with governments to create a cooperative relationship while maintaining our advocacy role,” he explains further, adding that his leadership approach will balance supporting beneficial government policies while constructively critiquing shortcomings.
KIFWA has often been mistaken for a trade union and perceived as confrontational in negotiations. He seeks to shift this perception by focusing on capacity building for members, particularly in tax administration, where a lack of knowledge has significantly impacted freight forwarders.
Another key priority is enhancing the participation of women in the logistics industry. Despite their vital contributions, women hold only 15% of directorship roles, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity.
“Expanding opportunities for women in leadership and operational roles will not only promote diversity but also drive innovation and efficiency within the sector, said Aloo.
“We will collaborate with revenue authorities and other agencies to bring more women into the sector,” he emphasizes.
Additionally, he is keen on asserting KIFWA’s role in national logistics. While over 45 agencies involved in cargo clearance are represented on KenTrade’s National Single Window System (NSWS) platform, KIFWA remains excluded despite its critical contributions to revenue collection and cargo clearance.
“We are the unsung heroes of this industry. My goal is to enhance KIFWA’s visibility and ensure our contributions receive the recognition they deserve,” he asserts.
A major challenge he intends to tackle is the fragmented legal framework governing logistics. Clearing agents must comply with numerous laws, many of which are poorly understood, leading to delays and increased business costs. Importers, instead of actively engaging in policy advocacy, have left the responsibility to freight forwarders, further complicating the situation.
“Clearing agents should focus on their core role—freight forwarding. Unfortunately, we spend too much time on advocacy, often clashing with Partner Government Agencies (PGAs),” he says.
To address this, KIFWA will prioritize member training to improve compliance and efficiency.
He compares his leadership approach to an African three-legged stool, highlighting that true stability comes from a strong collaboration between government agencies, importers/exporters, and clearing agents.
“By working together, through a concerted effort, these three pillars ensure efficiency, transparency, and a smoother trade process, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders in the supply chain,” Aloo said.
The role of technology in freight forwarding is another key focus, particularly in how it benefits KIFWA members. He highlights KenTrade’s success in streamlining cargo clearance through the NSWS, which has significantly improved efficiency for freight forwarders.
By reducing paperwork and minimizing opportunities for corruption, NSWS enables KIFWA members to process shipments faster, enhance compliance, and cut operational costs—ultimately strengthening their competitiveness in the industry.
“Our tax legal framework is strict on timelines and emphasizes rigorous record-keeping. We will train our members on international best practices and support digitization efforts to enhance willful compliance and competitiveness as opposed to forced compliance,” he explains.
Beyond technology, he stresses the need for data-driven and research-based advocacy supported with facts and the law.
“KIFWA’s policies must be rooted in facts and statistics for them to be effective.”
As a young logistics professional passionate about reading and travel, he believes the industry holds immense potential for youth.
“Many people don’t understand the significance of logistics—it drives economies globally. It’s an industry where young, ambitious individuals can thrive instead of chasing elusive formal employment,” he concludes.
With his fresh perspective and bold vision, KIFWA’s new chairman is set to steer the association into a new era of professionalism, inclusivity, and strategic influence in Kenya’s logistics sector.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
