Shippers and key stakeholders have expressed concern over the new port charges at the port of Mombasa, Kenya, stating that the charges are “punitive and impractical.”
Implemented just over a week ago, the charges require an upfront verification fee for all containers that are directed to go for verification by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
According to reports, Gilbert Langat, the chief executive of the Shippers’ Council for East Africa, said that “the introduction of a verification fee is not only high but uncalled for and not practical to implement with the requirement that the payment be made prior to the verification exercise.”
Depending on the tonnage of the container, shippers are now required to pay a fee between $80 and $160 upfront. - Zoë van Rooyen
