Bolloré Transport & Logistics has launched a rail service for export cargo from Mombasa to Uganda through the Naivasha inland container depot (ICD) as part of its efforts 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 7th May morning.
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 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 its teams while ensuring the cargo keeps moving, Bolloré Transport & Logistics Regional CEO for East Africa Jason Reynard.
“We have been exploring rail as a solution and we are thankful for the support we have received in launching this new service,” Mr Reynard said.
“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.”
Present during the launch was a delegation of stakeholders led by 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 Dr Rashid Salim and Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga.
Others were Bolloré Transport & Logistics Regional CEO for East Africa Jason Reynard and Regional Director for Development and External Affairs Auni Bhaiji.
