MOMBASA has recorded a drop in cargo vessels, reflecting a decline in import volumes with clearing agents attributing this to weakening of regional currencies against the dollar.
The dollar is the main international currency of trade and goods to countries which are major importers become expensive when it strengthens. Kenyan
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, clearing agents and Kenya Ports
Authority have confirmed slow import- vessel activities into the country.
The
Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association yesterday said imports
in August dropped by about seven per cent. Speaking
on phone, KIFWA national chairman Auni Bhaiji said this is a
further decline from July’s six per cent drop.
“There
is a decline in throughput which has affected business for our agents who clear
cargo for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, South Sudan and Somalia. This is as a
result of the weak shilling which has affected business,” said Bhaiji. He
said importers mainly manufactures now opt to bring in “necessities”.
KNCCI
deputy chief executive Nemaisa Kiereini said the strong dollar has affected
global trade, Kenya being among countries bearing the shocks. Last
week, KPA managing director Gichiri Ndua confirmed reduced port atcitivities.
“At the moment we don’t have a lot of ships while even the number of containers
in the yard is about 46 per cent of available capacity,” Ndua said.
KPA’s 14 day list shows it expects 43 vessels in the next two weeks compared to 47 which called at
the port in a similar period last year. These
include 17 container vessels, 17 conventional and five oil tankers.
Last
week, the port received 21 general cargo and six container vessels that
discharged and loaded a total 263,841 tonnes of loose cargo and 22,144 containers. Bulk
clinker used for cement manufacturing dominated imports registering 102,045 
tonnes followed by bulk wheat at 44,145 tonnes, according to KPA.
Other
commodities discharged were 19,333 tonnes of bulk sorghum and 18,078
tonnes of steel. A
total 3,302 units of motor vehicles were also discharged.
Source: The Star

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