By Patrick Beja
A section of grain millers have demanded for an end in monopoly associated with grain discharge from ships at Mombasa port.
Although those in control of a bigger slice of the cereal handling dismiss the monopoly claims, the millers are pushing for the licensing of a second handler.
Transport Minister Chirau Mwakwere, last week, asked those interested in grain handling at the port to set their site in Lamu port, which is to be developed soon, as Kilindini has no space for more grain handling facilities.
Mwakwere says the Government is ready to license more grain handling firms to compete with the Grain Bulk Handling Limited (GBHL), currently controlling over 60 per cent of the business at Mombasa port.
But the Cereals Millers Association insists development of Lamu port may take upto 20 years.
"There is urgent need for a second grain handling facility at the port of Mombasa to give grain importers competitive rates. The commissioner of monopoly should look into this matter," said a representative of the Cereals Millers Association, Salim Mbarak.
