Shift from air freight to sea freight for fresh products

The government through the bottom-up transformation agenda aims at creating a conducive environment for investments.

Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya urged development partners and public–private partnerships to take note of the transition from air freights to sea freights.

He pointed out the blue economy ministry applauds the initiatives and willingness to support them.

“The stand alone ministry in change of Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs is enough testimony for the electorate to realize the potential in the sector,” he said.

Mvurya added he is aware the government had sea logistics before and with the current administration they have an opportunity to grow the country’s economy through the sector.

He made the remarks during the flagging off of the kick-start event for development of a master plan to facilitate shift from air freight to sea freight for fresh products witnessed at the port of Mombasa in Mombasa county courtesy of both the governments of Netherlands and Denmark.

The CS said they were able to discuss the master plan and he is optimistic that before next month his transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen will be leading a government delegation to the Netherlands to append his signature on the agreement.

Mvurya added the appending of the signature by the government official will be a critical official document for the government to move forward on the agenda.

He reminded the forum the move is a clear impression of the government’s committment and demonstration to take the matter forward.

“I am also aware my colleague in investments and trade Moses Kuria has been forthright in inspiring the business community and investments sector to see more investments into the country,” he pointed.

On his part, Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the event will promote the shift of exportation of fresh produce from the conventional air freight to sea freight through the port facility.

In a speech read on his behalf by KPA General Manager Operation Sudi Mwasingo the MD said this is a noteworthy direction towards reducing the cost of doing business.

The KPA boss added this is for the benefit of exporters and enhancing the volume of exports which will boost revenue at the Port and ultimately enhance the economy of Kenya.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir said he regrets that during the previous year there has been a drop on air freights closely to 25 per cent and 30 per cent.

He added the cost of exporting goods through sea freights is almost 12 to 16 per cent cheaper compared to airfreights.

“The government has been concerned and will come up with policy, laws and legislations to reduce carbon emissions,” he said.