KPA announces new extension of free storage days for containers

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 27- The Kenya Ports Authority has extended the free storage period for containers further, a move it says will cushion importers from COVID-19 shocks.

The authority has been extending the free storage time since last year after the coronavirus pandemic hit the economy. The first extension was announced in May last year and ran until August at the height of the pandemic.

The move was aimed at cushioning importers, exporters, and transporters from the impact of the pandemic on the transport and logistics sector.

KPA Managing Director John Mwangemi in a gazette notice said the new extension is valid for three months.

“The extension of free storage is valid for three months with effect from 20^th July to 20^th October 2021,” said Mwangemi.

In its latest review, transit export containers will continue to have the longest storage period of 20 days from 15 days.

Transit import containers port and ICD Embakassi will have a storage period of 14 from 9 days.

Port users using domestic import containers have had their storage days extended to 5 while domestic export containers have their storage period extended from 9 to 15 days.

Mwangemi added that the extension period is subject to review after the validity period depending on the business dynamics.

Port users incur charges between Sh3000-Sh9000 per day for containers that have stayed past their free storage period and more than 24 days, dependent on the size of the container.

Cargos released by the Kenya Revenue Authority and not picked after 24hours on the other hand are charged Sh10,000 and Sh20,000 per day for 20ft and 40ft respectively.