The Port of Mombasa is experiencing long delays in processing containers after the Authority introduced strict measures to curb corruption.
Hundreds of long distance drivers are still stranded inside and out of the port waiting to be cleared.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered the Authority’s new boss Catherine Mturi-Wairi to crackdown on the cartels at the port.
Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) transit cargo for neighbouring countries, Uganda, South Sudan are piling up at the port.
KRA has suspended staff involved in tax evasion scandal hence leading to more delays at cargo at berth 18 due to less human force.
According to KIFWA, the newly hired staff are not familiar with the clearing procedures aimed reducing cases of graft.
KRA chief manager operation Joseph Kaguru confirmed that they are facing challenges in the evacuation of trucks but the matter is being addressed.
“We cannot continue working with same staff accused colluding with other cartels to sneak out containers, they were suspended and the investigation are still going on,” Kaguru said.
KIFWA secretary Bernard Simiyu said many of the transporters have lost millions of shillings due to delays
Recently KRA said they investigating how 104 containers worth Sh100 million were removed from the port between June and July 2016 without payment of tax.
At least 10 KRA and KPA employees have been charged with conspiracy to evade payment of Sh20 million in taxes at Mombasa.
Commissioner general John Njiraini, in a statement, said preliminary findings on the investigations point to collusion between various players.
“The taxman is narrowing its probe on importers, their clearing agents, transport service providers, KPA and KRA staff involved in cargo release operations’, he said.
Source : The Star
