Minister visits Nairobi to seek clarification and identify solutions to the challenges affecting the timely transfer of cargo to South Sudan, promises to streamline services
By Aguok Chok
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, has raised concerns over delays in clearing and transporting goods destined for South Sudan.
She made the statement during her visit to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot, commonly known as the Nairobi Dry Port on Wednesday, to assess the situation and engage directly with the port’s management.
“My delegation and I visited the Nairobi Inland Container Depot (Nairobi Dry Port) in Nairobi, Kenya,” she said.
The visit followed complaints from traders about prolonged delays in the movement of containers bound for South Sudan. According to the minister, the purpose of the trip was to seek clarification and identify solutions to the challenges affecting the timely transfer of cargo.
“During the visit, I engaged the management of the Nairobi Dry Port regarding concerns over delays in the movement of containers destined for South Sudan,” she explained.
Atong had asked for clarification as to why consignments are taking longer than expected to leave the facility.
Discussions between the delegation and port officials focused on identifying the main bottlenecks contributing to the delays. These included customs procedures, documentation requirements, logistical coordination and transit processes.
“Our discussions focused on identifying the bottlenecks affecting the timely transfer of cargo, including customs procedures, documentation requirements, logistical coordination, and transit processes,” Atong noted.
South Sudan relies heavily on imports transported through Kenya’s trade corridor. Delays at the Nairobi Dry Port can lead to increased storage fees and additional operational costs for traders.
These added expenses are often passed on to consumers, affecting prices in local markets.
The minister stressed that improving the efficiency of cargo movement is critical for ensuring smooth trade flow between the two countries.
“I emphasized the importance of expediting the clearance and movement of South Sudan-bound containers to ensure smooth trade flow and to reduce the additional costs incurred by traders,” she said.
She added that faster clearance processes would help strengthen business confidence and promote economic growth. Efficient cargo handling, she noted, is essential for maintaining stable supply chains and supporting both small and large businesses in South Sudan.
The visit also reflected broader efforts by the government to improve trade facilitation and strengthen cooperation with regional partners. By engaging directly with Kenyan authorities and port management, the ministry aims to enhance coordination and resolve operational challenges.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Minister Atong met her Kenyan counterpart, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, where the two officials discussed avenues of strengthening trade and investment cooperation between their countries.
The trade ministers assessed the performance of the Northern Corridor and the flow of trade between the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Kenya.
Key challenges deduced from the assessment included roadblocks and unofficial charges along transport routes, weighbridge delays and other administrative bottlenecks, congestion at the Port of Mombasa, leading to diversion of cargo to the Inland Container Depot Nairobi and delays in clearance processes, resulting in some containers being auctioned, thereby causing significant losses to traders and to the country.
“The challenges occur within Kenyan territory, while others arise within South Sudan. Both sides acknowledged that responsibility lies with both countries; therefore, sustainable solutions must be pursued through coordinated and joint efforts,” noted a statement from the meeting.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon Atong said trade between Kenya and South Sudan remains deeply interconnected. South Sudan, she said, relies heavily on imports through Mombasa and many Kenyan traders operate successfully within South Sudan.
“Kenyan financial institutions, retailers, and service providers maintain substantial investments in our country. Consequently, any disruption in trade adversely affects both economies,” the minister said.
She expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to practical measures to address the identified bottlenecks. Continued engagement between relevant institutions in Kenya and South Sudan is expected to ensure that agreed actions are implemented effectively.
As trade between the two countries continues to grow, both sides recognize the importance of efficient transport systems and streamlined procedures.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to remove obstacles that hinder trade and to work closely with partners to create a more reliable and cost-effective cargo movement system for the benefit of traders and consumers in South Sudan.
Utilities
“Kenyan financial institutions, retailers, and service providers maintain substantial investments in our country. Consequently, any disruption in trade adversely affects both economies,” said Hon Atong Kuol Manyang, minister for Trade and Industry.
