DR Congo traders wooed to use the Port of Mombasa

Nov 15, 2023 - 17:21

Meeting between a delegation from the DR Congo Honorary consulate led by Consular Kambale Mukokoma and Mombasa leadership led by Governor Abdullswamad Nassir and Jomvu MP Badi Twalib. (Photos by Haniel Mengistu/KNA)

Mombasa,

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

KNA by Sadik Hassan

Mombasa leadership have launched a charm offensive to woo traders from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to use the Port of Mombasa.

According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the DRC is the third largest market in the Port of Mombasa with a market share of 8.2 per cent.

Last year in June, a DRC state-owned shipping line - Lignes Maritimes Congolaises began operations at the port of Mombasa.

The Port of Mombasa is mostly used by traders in the Eastern part of DR Congo. The central sub-Saharan country has three maritime ports; Matadi, Banana and Boma.

Jomvu constituency MP Badi Twalib led a delegation of officials of the honorary consulate of DR Congo in Mombasa to meet with Governor Abdullswamad Nassir.

The legislator says the purpose of the meeting is to deepen integration and friendship with the country that last year joined the regional bloc East African Community (EAC).

Badi lauded KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto for enhancing port efficiency since he took up the reins of power.

He said in the past grace period for cargo destined for Sudan, and Uganda were given different periods compared to DR Congo, but Capt. Ruto has extended the grace period for DR Congo.

He stated that the new MD has endeavoured to fine-tune various policies to improve the ease of doing business in the Port of Mombasa.

“All the Congolese traders who in the past used to import through the Port of Mombasa should return since now the port is working in a very efficient way, it has modern equipment and expansive berths,” said Badi.

“Mombasa was the regional hub for cargo destined for Rwanda, Uganda and Congo regions like Butembo, Beni, Buniya, Kivu, Kisangani and Goma all used to pass through the Port of Mombasa,” he added.

Badi encourages Kenyans to market the country’s ports to attract traders from EAC and beyond.

“We had many people who used to work in the transit sector. It’s our responsibility as Kenyans to market our port to attract traders from the region,” he said adding that DR Congo's problems will now be solved quickly by the Mombasa consulate.

Badi thanked the Head of State for appointing his predecessor to be the facilitator of peace talks in DR Congo.

DR Congo Mombasa Consular Kambale Mukokoma says they are keen to increase the volume of trade between DR Congo and Kenya.

“If drivers will face challenges on the roads while in transit to Congo, we will advocate for their rights,” he said urging traders to use the Port of Mombasa.

Courtesy; KNA