In a landmark move for Kenya’s logistics industry, the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) has launched its first-ever 2025–2030 Strategic Plan—a bold, forward-looking blueprint aimed at transforming the sector. The ambitious plan seeks to digitize operations, elevate professional standards, enhance efficiency, and promote decarbonization across the logistics value chain, all while introducing cost-saving innovations that promise to redefine industry operations.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Nairobi and officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, attracted a high-profile cast of public and private sector stakeholders. Beyond the ceremony, one message was clear: KIFWA is stepping out of a reactive role and into leadership—with a clear, actionable game plan.
“This is not just another strategic plan—it’s our contract with Kenya’s logistics future,” declared Fredrick Aloo, KIFWA’s National Chairman. “We are done firefighting. It’s time to lead, shape policy, digitize workflows, and go green—all while ensuring our members thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment.”
The new strategy is anchored on six foundational pillars designed to redefine the future of Kenya’s logistics sector. Central to the plan is a commitment to professional self-regulation and robust compliance enforcement, ensuring the highest standards of ethics and accountability among industry players. This is complemented by a push for transparent, member-centered governance aimed at fostering trust and inclusivity within the association.
To secure long-term impact, the strategy prioritizes institutional and financial sustainability, ensuring KIFWA remains resilient and well-resourced to serve its growing membership. A renewed emphasis on evidence-based advocacy and active policy engagement positions KIFWA as a thought leader and influential voice in shaping logistics policy both nationally and regionally.
In line with global trends, the plan embraces green logistics and environmental responsibility, advocating sustainable practices to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. It also envisions full digitization of freight operations—leveraging technology to boost efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness across the logistics value chain. These six pillars collectively form the foundation for a bold and transformative era in freight and warehousing.
Each pillar addresses a longstanding challenge in the logistics sector and is backed by clear deliverables and measurable outcomes.
KIFWA’s confidence is grounded in a proven track record. Over the past decade, the association has played a pivotal role in training, certification, policy advocacy, and the professionalization of over 1,200 clearing and forwarding firms in Kenya. These firms collectively handle over 35 million tonnes of cargo annually and contribute nearly 9% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—valued at USD 11.3 billion as of 2024.
While the plan builds on this legacy, it also represents a sharp pivot toward innovation. The strategy was developed pro bono by a team of logistics and maritime experts, including former Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Gichiri Ndua, newly appointed Kenya Maritime Authority Director General Omae Nyarandi, and logistics expert Joshua Aroni—signaling widespread industry endorsement.
The plan is already receiving strong support from various stakeholders. CS William Kabogo praised KIFWA’s initiative, highlighting its alignment with the government’s Digital Economy Blueprint:
“ICT applications are no longer optional—they are the bedrock of trade facilitation. KIFWA’s plan is timely, smart, and very much in line with the government’s digital transformation agenda.”
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga, represented by the Deputy Commissioner, Customs & Border Control, Mr. Chege Macharia, echoed these sentiments:
“Clearing and customs agents collected KSh 879 billion last year—almost a third of our total revenue. KIFWA’s blueprint supports modernization and promotes predictability, efficiency, and transparency in cargo clearance.”
Beyond government institutions, the plan is also being welcomed as a tool for regional harmonization and cost reduction. Agayo Ogambi, CEO of the Shippers Council of East Africa (SCEA), remarked:
“This plan is either a rope to climb or a noose for failure. It gives us a clear scorecard—not just for KIFWA, but for the entire ecosystem.”
KIFWA’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan is also aligned with broader development agendas, including Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It envisions a Kenya that serves as a regional logistics hub anchored in smart, green, and integrated supply chains.
A central component of the strategy is legislative reform. Mr. Aloo renewed calls for the fast-tracking of the Model Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders Management Bill—a regional law developed in 2017 with support from JICA. If enacted, the bill would provide the legal foundation for cross-border recognition of professional standards and certifications.
“The logistics industry cannot run on goodwill. We need laws, policies, and people who are professionally prepared to move Africa’s trade. This plan is how we get there,” emphasized Aloo.
KIFWA acknowledges that a good plan is only as good as its implementation. Effective execution will require strong partnerships among government agencies, donors, academia, and the private sector.
“We have the blueprint. Now we need the muscle. Let’s rally behind this plan—not just for logistics, but for Kenya’s place in global trade,” Aloo concluded.
The professionalization of the freight sector is also seen as critical to supporting the growing volumes at the Port of Mombasa, which, according to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), handled 41 million metric tonnes last year, with containerized cargo surpassing 2 million TEUs.
“A professionalized, well-regulated freight sector is not just good for business—it’s essential to Kenya’s global trade competitiveness,” said KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto. “This plan complements our port modernization efforts and lays the groundwork for seamless cargo movement across the hinterland and the region.”
As trade corridors evolve and climate pressures mount, Kenya’s logistics industry stands at a critical turning point. With this bold strategic plan, KIFWA is not merely reacting to the future—it is helping to build it.
The Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) was represented at the launch by Mr. John Mathenge, Technical Advisor to the Board and KIFWA’s founding CEO, and Mr. Elias Baluku, the Executive Director. Mr. Mathenge commended KIFWA for setting a new standard in professional governance and strategic clarity. He encouraged peer associations across the EAC region to strengthen their internal structures and pursue transformative agendas that benefit both members and the broader industry.
KIFWA is a proud member of FEAFFA, the regional apex body of the customs clearing and forwarding industry in East Africa. FEAFFA brings together national associations from all the EAC Partner States—except for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Somalia, which are yet to join—and collectively represents over 2,500 licensed clearing and forwarding firms across the region. The associations include the Uganda Freight Forwarders Association (UFFA), Rwanda Freight Forwarders Association (RWAFFA), Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association (TAFFA), Association Burundaise des Agences en Douane et Transitaires (ABADT), Zanzibar Freight Forwarders Bureau (ZFB), and the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association (SSFFA).
Mr. Daniel Deng, President of the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association (SSFFA), and Mr. Omar Mussa, President of the Zanzibar Freight Forwarders Bureau (ZFB), were among the distinguished guests who attended the event, underscoring the regional significance and solidarity behind KIFWA’s strategic direction.
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 or oningaam@gmail.com / +254733780240.
