On Monday, the CS Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to develop a cool logistics corridor. “The MoU I signed with the Dutch Ambassador in Kenya, Maarten Brouwer, will facilitate private investment in cool-logistics infrastructure to support the transportation of fresh produce by sea,” the CS said.
Kenya’s perishable exports could soar, creating millions of jobs, thanks to the new agreement with the Netherlands. The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paves the way for a “cool-logistics corridor” – a sea freight system specifically designed for fresh produce.
This project has the potential to double or even triple Kenya’s horticultural exports. This surge could create up to 3 million new jobs within the horticultural and agro-logistics industries. The MoU, signed with the Dutch Ambassador to Kenya, facilitates private sector investment in cool logistics infrastructure.
The project encompasses various logistical aspects, including port facilities, transportation networks, and regulations. It aims to revolutionize fresh produce transportation which will benefit trade between Kenya and the Netherlands while propelling Kenya’s agricultural sector forward.
The CS acknowledged the long-standing Kenyan-Dutch trade relationship which is built on trade, transport, and development cooperation. Nearly half of Kenya’s flower exports have already reached the Netherlands, and avocado exports are also rapidly increasing. This cool-logistics collaboration promises to further strengthen ties between these two gateways – Kenya to East Africa and the Netherlands to Europe.
The Mombasa-to-Malaba corridor prioritizes sustainability. Sea freight boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to air freight – a 95% reduction in emissions. Additionally, sea transport offers a more cost-effective solution. This system is developed to enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in the global market.
The MoU presents an opportunity for the private sector, along with other ongoing developments around the Port of Mombasa, like the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, as it creates a favorable environment for such investments. This private sector-led initiative aims to empower businesses to adapt their infrastructure to seamlessly integrate with the cool logistics system.
For more information: transport.go.ke