Clearing and forwarding companies in Kenya are accusing a section of shipping lines and agents of unfair business practices leading increased cost of doing business. Through the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), clearing agents have cited huge delays in generation of local shipping charges and payment confirmations, due to the exercise being done outside the country. “Demand for huge container revolving deposits is also frustrating cargo clearance process,” Kifwa National Chairman Roy Mwanthi says in a notice to clearing agents, as he calls on them to boycott shipping lines that are frustrating clearing processes. “We urge clearing agents to advice clients accordingly on preferred lines that facilitate faster release process and have demonstrated willingness to facilitate trade,” Mwanthi says in the notice. Kifwa represents over 1,200 licensed clearing agents mainly operating in Mombasa and the Nairobi and Naivasha Inland Container Depots.

Source: The Star July 16, 2021 10:30 UTC