The county government of Mombasa is implementing various initiatives aimed at bridging the employment gap left after the government’s directive to move cargo haulage to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). Governor Nassir says Mombasa’s logistics sector has been on an upward trajectory. Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir says part of the initiative involves revitalising the logistics sector and creating a more business-friendly environment. How Mombasa county is helping logistics operators Nassir revealed that the county government has already eased the burden on transport and logistics operators by adjusting single business permit (SBP) fees and supporting sector players.
The issues started when port services were moved from Mombasa. Once that was reversed, we’ve been on an upward trajectory,” said the governor on Tuesday, September 9. “We’ve worked together with stakeholders and done what we can to assist them. The older SBP rates were revised, and for port users, the county is actively helping them with any challenges they face,” he added. The county boss said Mombasa’s economy is heavily reliant on the logistics industry. He noted that hundreds of workers were initially laid off, leaving parts of Mombasa resembling a ghost town after the controversial directive. However, he credits quick economic interventions, including reducing fees for operators, with turning the situation around. “Our records show that the logistics sector is now on an upward trajectory,” said the governor. The county is also considering a further review of SBP rates to create a more conducive environment for local and foreign logistics enterprises.
When will Mombasa host the logistics summit? As part of efforts to attract more investment and jobs, Nassir said the coastal city is set to host the International Trade and Logistics Summit (ITLS) in October. Governor Nassir launched the upcoming Momnasa summit on Tuesday, September 9. The summit is a partnership between several stakeholders, and it is expected to be a catalyst for new business deals, investment agreements, and cross-border partnerships. Over 50 foreign countries have confirmed their participation. “The economy of Mombasa is largely fueled by logistics, both by land and sea. The upcoming summit will showcase Mombasa and position it as a global investment hub,” said Governor Nassir during the launch of the summit. “This is an opportunity for logistics players to network, scale economically, and tap into global opportunities. It will promote inclusive growth, especially for SMEs and emerging entrepreneurs,” added Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) chairperson Rajab Hamisi. Do Mombasa have the safest roads?
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that Mombasa had received global recognition for its initiatives aimed at enhancing safety on its roads. The coastal city was awarded the bronze medal in this year’s Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) Speed Challenge. Some of the initiatives that earned Mombasa the BIGRS award include elevated pedestrian crossings near five schools and speed bumps that the county had constructed.
By Joshua Cheloti, Harrison Kivisu
