Peace deal will boost Kenya, South Sudan trade KPA

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) management says signing of peace deal between  South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir  and opposition leader Riek Machar will boost trade between Kenya and the world’s newest nation.

The management says the formation of Transitional Government of National Unity is major step in the return to peace and stability in South Sudan.

KPA acting managing Director Catherine Mturi said they expect the volume of South Sudan’s cargo through the port of Mombasa to increase by over 10 percent.

According to KPA records, South Sudan cargo through the Port of Mombasa dropped 7.7 per cent last year compared to 2014.

KPA said a total of 702,531 tonnes passed through the port of Mombasa were destined for South Sudan .

Mturi, however, said that Uganda remains the second biggest user of the port with an 11 per cent share, with its share in transit cargo 8.2 per cent year-on-year, rising to 5.9 million tonnes from 5.5 million tonnes in 2014.

On the other hand, Mturi said that KPA management has embarked on a major campaign to fight corruption at the port adding those found engaging in corrupt deals will not be spared.

She further said that KPA is already engaging cyber security experts to deal with the problem at the port of Mombasa.

Last week, Machar was inaugurated as vice president by President Salva Kiir ahead of forming a unity government.

“Our people are tired of war and they need peace, now,” Kiir said. “Together we can accomplish far more than when we are divided. Our strength lies only our unity.”

Report by Patrick Kanga