The Disadvantage of SGR Cargo Train

Despite Easing the transport system to and fro Mombasa County, the Standard Gauge Railway has brought disadvantages to the companies and truck drivers in Mombasa County.There has been sharp decline in their fortunes as a result of government policies stating that to haul cargo only via the standard gauge railway.

Handling more than 40% of the port cargo transport business, the Standard gauge railway has brought up more job losses on truckers. Trailers do no longer have containers to ferry, clearing and forwarding company’s continue to count losses day in day out.

the SGR cargo train

Truck companies have been forced to shut down laying off thousands of drivers and turn boys. Godowns that used to store goods awaiting transportation have also been closed down. Truckers, container freight stations (CFSs), are getting more and more losses and clearing agents continue to count losses, with some logistics companies reported to have resorted to restructuring that has seen thousands of job losses.

Omar Bakari, a truck driver, says he could do three trips in a month and take a week off, but now he spends more time waiting for the goods than on the road. There is a reduction in port related businesses as a result of the Standard Gauge Railway services. He is thankful that his employer still gets some business, but knows of companies that are struggling to get businesses.

According to Mr Ombok, the government claims that transporting a container to and from Nairobi using the SGR costs Sh50, 000 but it does not consider that one has to pay Sh5, 000 handling fee, Sh25, 000 for ferrying the container from the SGR to a nearby CFS, and Sh10, 000 empty container return charges, he said. This makes transportation more expensive than using of trucks yet the government condemns cargo being transported by use of trailers and trucks which is more way cheaper.

The city has degenerated from Mombasa Raha (fun) to Mombasa Karaha (problems).