Customs relents, and boxes clogging Mombasa can be shifted off dock

KENYAN customs, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), has relented in its battle with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), allowing the port to shift containers clogging harbour to off-dock container freight stations, reports Nairobi's Nation newspaper.

Customs officials have relaxed their no-move rule in the face of announcements from shipping lines saying they will levy a delay surcharge for Mombasa. Among the lines threatening surcharges were MOL, Western European Company, MSC, CMA CGM and McAndrews.

Some 6,000 containers will be moved from the port that is choked with more than 16,000 currently.

"Unless the issue of delays at the port is resolved fast, we expect a sharp increase in the cost of all imports into the country," said Fred Wahutu, CEO of the Kenya Ship Agents Association.

Capt Wahutu called on other agencies operating at the port to help KPA decongest the harbour. "For KPA to facilitate the smooth flow of cargo from the port, all government agencies operating there must work as a team," he said.