Transport CS James Macharia suspends SGR order on mandatory ferrying of imports

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia on Thursday suspended an order given on the use of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

CS Macharia noted that the order on mandatory haulage of sea cargo from Mombasa on the SGR would remain suspended until an agreement is reached.

The CS further noted that the decision passed by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) was not consultative.

File image of Transport CS James Macharia. He has suspended SGR order on mandatory ferrying of imports Pulse Live Kenya

He also noted that talks ill be held between all interested parties before the final decision is reached.

Protests over SGR order

The order sparked protests especially by traders and the lobby group, Kenya Transporters Association (KTA).

The transporters lamented that the policy would suffocate their businesses and interfere with the livelihoods of many residents along the travel routes.

"We will not allow continued marginalization of the coast people. We will not allow our business to incur huge losses. This calls for mass action," Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid stated.