The logistics lobby group claimed that nearly all goods coming to the country by sea were being subjected to stringent procedures including mandatory verification that took too long.

“For the first time in the history of clearing and forwarding, all cargo is attracting storage charges because it is not possible to clear the goods within the stipulated four days,” he added.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) gives an allowance of four days to clear domestic cargo for free while transit goods should be cleared within nine days after which they start accruing storage charges.

Mr Ojonyo said Kifwa would engage relevant government agencies to ensure that their concerns are addressed.

It was not possible to get a comment from the KRA as at the publishing of this story but the taxman said it would send a statement clarifying its position on the matter.

Seal loopholes

Over the recent past, the government has tightened surveillance procedures after it emerged that smugglers and drug traffickers were taking advantage of loopholes created by more liberalised processes adopted last year in an attempt to fasten cargo clearance.

The KRA is said to have moved to clean up the customs agents list this year by striking out those believed to be engaged in shady deals.

The taxman, however, denied blacklisting agents but said vetting was ongoing as part of a licencing evaluation process.

“No agent has been blacklisted, unless those under suspension for different offences or under investigation,” Julius Musyoki, the Commissioner for Customs and Border Control, said in June.