Siginon invests Sh140m in new fleet for SGR last mile

Transport and logistics firm Siginon Group, has invested Ksh140 million in a new trucking fleet for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) last mile connectivity. The company has purchased 22 new trucks to boost its current fleet of 250 trucks that operate in the region.

Siginon Global logistics General Manager Job Kemboi said the trucks consist of prime movers with drop side trailers to satisfy customer demands for efficient logistics solutions for moving cargo inland.

“Shippers moving cargo on the SGR require a road transporter to move their cargo from the various Inland Container Depots (ICDs) to the destined inland locations be it warehouses, factories or homes.  As such, transporters still have a role to play in complementing the SGR on the last mile,” said Kemboi.

The GM said the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has greatly complimented cargo movement for road transporters and there was need for an efficient trucking fleet to ensure customer satisfaction; facilitate last mile and regional cargo logistics.

He said the transport arm of Siginon is further relocating its transport yard to a new five-acre location in Mariakani, Mombasa County to strategically position and ensure efficient fleet movement. “We are already using the SGR to move containers destined for inland and transit locations. In addition, we have engaged shipping lines for partnerships to ensure smooth and safe cargo delivery from SGR, via Inland Container Depots up to the doorstep of the consignee”, he added.

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SGR has introduced an additional efficient cargo movement option from the Port of Mombasa into Nairobi and beyond the Kenyan borders. Since its inauguration the rail solution has been hailed and feared by various logistics players due to the impact it is likely to have on road transporters in Kenya.