Improved Mombasa port efficiency boosts exports
MARITIME: Improved efficiency at Mombasa port complemented by Standard Gauge Railway has opened up opportunities for export of fresh produce via the sea.
Inland Container Depot (ICD) Manager Paul Bor, said apart from the traditional exports, coffee and tea, the Nairobi depot has also started handling fresh produce which he adds is the newest addition of exports via sea.
“We have started seeing new exports of fresh produce passing through the ICD... These are mainly flowers and avocados which are required to be transported under some controlled temperatures,” Bor said.
The manager said because currently there are no wagons with facilities to preserve fresh produce during transportation, the fresh produce is given special priority so that they arrive at the Port of Mombasa early enough.
In total, Bor said about 600 containers of fresh produce currently go through Mombasa port and the figure could go higher as most farmers in the fresh produce export business have found the sea freight cost-effective and attractive.
“Tea ordered from factories passes through here so most of our clients are KTDA, flower farmers, Delmonte, peas and avocados destined for various markets in World,” he said.
