Kenya eyes inland port at Busia to serve nearby States

Kenya aims to build a cargo logistics hub near the border with Uganda to receive and clear goods through customs that arrive by air, rail or road, easing pressure on the port of Mombasa and Nairobi airport, a senior regional official said.

The so-called “dry port” would be built near Malaba, along the route of a new rail line being built to provide a faster link for freight coming from the Coast.

Kenya has been working with neighbours such as Uganda and Rwanda to speed up transport links from Mombasa, which is the region’s main trade gateway and its busiest port. Busia Infrastructure executive Greg Odeke said the project, which could cost an estimated Sh100 billion, was presented to some international investors last month.

“This will be a strategic international business hub for cargo handling and associated business,” Odeke said.

He said Busia would seek expressions of interest from investors in July or August. Under the plan, goods arriving by sea and bound for nearby States could be sent directly inland and then go through customs clearance at Malaba.