Truck drivers in Mombasa are set to dig deeper into their pockets following the implementation of a new payment plan by the County Government.
In the new move, all commercial vehicles operating within Mombasa County, including the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) facilities, container freight stations (CFSs) and different warehouse zones will pay a packing fee of Kshs 700 up from Kshs 600 as of May 15, 2024.
In April 2024, KPA provided a one month notice to all truck operators and owners regarding the new payment plan effective March 15.
Kenya Transporters Association Chief Executive Officers (CEO) Mercy Ireri confirmed that the issue of having their vehicles clamped during loading and offloading had been addressed.
“We held meetings with Mombasa County regarding problems we have been having, including being clamped while queueing to load or offload cargo at the port. Those were issues but have been dealt with and will not add any cost to our sector,” said Ms Ireri.
This new fee is aimed at generating additional revenue as well as boosting the county’s own sources of income. Previously, Mombasa County government was unable to collect parking fees from over 3,000 trucks operating within the port and customs facilities.
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Similarly, the county government will commence the collection of garbage fees from all vessels docking at the port.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to Collect the Parking Fees
The county government of Mombasa authorized KPA to oversee the collection of parking fees for heavy and commercial vehicles accessing the port and operating within the County.
This is meant to end the wrangles between the National government and the devolved unit over the port revenue sharing.
Addressing the press on May 8, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir stated that the decision was taken to seal revenue leaks, as it had been observed that some drivers were avoiding paying parking fees.
“We have realized that some trucks are not paying, either fleet managers colluding with officials or truckers find other ways of avoiding paying the required parking fee,” Nassir said.
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Nassir also mentioned that the county government had reduced penalties and charges on unpaid parking fees by 50 percent as part of efforts to initiate a fresh start and enhance enforcement measures.
“We realized mostly it is not the mistake of the truck owner but managers and foremen who have the funds but fail to pay,” he noted.
