Bolloré Transport & Logistics has launched on 7 May 2020 a rail service for export cargo from Mombasa to Uganda through the Naivasha ICD in a bid to reduce the spread of Covid-19. The first train loaded with 64 TEUs of cargo consigned to clients of Bolloré Transport & Logistics was received at Naivasha ICD.
By using the rail to transport cargo up to Naivasha, the company hopes to reduce exposure of long-distance drivers to the virus, while also protecting the populations living in numerous roadside towns frequently used as truck stops along the A104 highway between Mombasa and Naivasha.
A delegation of stakeholders led by Bolloré Transport & Logistics Regional CEO for East Africa Mr. Jason Reynard the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. James Macharia, Chief Administration Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Rashid Abdi Aman, Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General Mr. Githii Mburu, Kenya Ports Authority Ag. Managing Director Hon. Dr. Rashid Salim and Kenya Railways Managing Director Mr. Philip Mainga, was present to witness the event.
A fleet of Bolloré Transport & Logistics long haul trucks & trailers from Uganda was already waiting at the Container Depot to offload export consignments onto the train and take up cargo for last mile delivery to Kampala. This well-choreographed exchange will ensure cost efficiency by ensuring both train and trailers are loaded for the two-way journeys.
“The Covid-19 epidemic has put immense pressure on the supply chain as the industry works to safeguard the health and safety of our teams while ensuring the cargo keeps moving. We have been exploring rail as a solution and we are thankful for the support we have received in launching this new service. Guided by our key pillars of safety, solidarity and service continuity, Bolloré Transport & Logistics will continue to act with caution and concern in our operations while developing innovative solutions to move the cargo safely, in full and on time.” Jason Reynard, Bolloré Transport & Logistics CEO for East Africa.
About Bolloré Transport & Logistics
Bolloré Transport & Logistics is a leading transport & logistics operator in Africa. In East Africa, Bolloré Transport & Logistics uses its large network of subsidiaries and its unique know-how in corridor management to the hinterland, to provides end-to-end cargo transport to the most isolated areas in the Region. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bolloré Transport & Logistics is rolling out substantial resources to ensure the continuity of its activities in Africa while implementing initiatives to strengthen the application of barrier measures against the epidemic.
