Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has started moving cargo to the newly established Naivasha Inland Container Depot, (NICD) in a bid to decongest the port of Mombasa.
Owners and clearing agents of the cargo moved to ICD will pick it from the facility and the list will accessed from KRA website, which will be updated progressively on a daily basis, the Taxman announced in press release singed by the Commissioner for Customs and Border Control.
“The KRA office at the Naivasha ICD is now operational with a marshalling area having the capacity to hold 700 trucks at any given time now in place. KRA has deployed all the relevant staff. “the statement said.
The facility is anticipated to boost storage of cargo mainly those destined for the East Africa Community Partner States: Uganda, South Sudan, Northern Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.
On 7th May, 2020, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Transport Mr. James Macharia led a delegate of Government officials at the facility to release the first 200 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) cargo that was on transit to Uganda.
During the event, the CS emphasized on the government’s commitment in facilitating regional trade. He also noted that the completion of the station would help in containing the spread of Covid-19 as track drivers will not have to go for the cargo in Nairobi or Mombasa.
This follows the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) freight services from Syokimau to Suswa by President Uhuru Kenyatta in December last year. The Naivasha transshipment station has halved the tracking journey for businesses in Western Kenya and other East African Community (EAC) countries.
“KRA is well equipped to handle the huge capacity expected from Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi at the facility. The ICD will increase efficiency, as KRA is able to monitor cargo in Naivasha through the Joint Monitoring Centre,” KRA said.
The facility has a One Stop Centre (OSC) model where all key government agencies offer their services to clients. Regional revenue authorities including Uganda Revenue Authority, Rwanda Revenue Authority, Tanzania Revenue Authority and Burundi Revenue Authority are also housed at the OSC.
This model ensures a synchronized placement and verification process at the ICD. The facility brings together various government agencies including Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Railways. KRA is committed to facilitating all importers, exporters, clearing agents and other stakeholders who trade through the ICD, Naivasha.
For any feedback, contacts us via editorial@feaffa.com / freightlogistics@feaffa.com /info@feaffa.com; Mobile: +254703971679 / +254733780240
