South Sudan Seeks Better Storage Terms at Mombasa Port

(NAIROBI AND MOMBASA, KENYA) – South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, has concluded a high level trade mission to Kenya aimed at improving cargo movement and reducing costs for South Sudanese traders who rely on the Northern Corridor.

The visit focused on resolving logistical bottlenecks, improving port efficiency and strengthening economic ties between South Sudan and Kenya. The corridor links South Sudan to the Port of Mombasa, which handles most of the country’s imports.

During meetings in Nairobi, the Minister held talks with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry, Hon Lee Kinyanjui. Both sides acknowledged the close economic link between the two countries. South Sudan depends on the Port of Mombasa for imports, while Kenyan banks and retailers operate widely in South Sudan.

Hon Atong raised key challenges affecting trade flows. These include roadblocks, unofficial charges and weighbridge delays along transport routes. She also cited infrastructure and security concerns, including border related matters such as the Ilemi Triangle, which affect completion of major trade roads. Port congestion was also discussed, with delays leading to diversion of cargo and auctioning of South Sudan bound containers, resulting in losses for traders.

The South Sudan delegation conducted a technical assessment at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot, also known as the Nairobi Dry Port.

The Minister met management to review customs procedures and documentation processes that delay clearance of goods destined for South Sudan. She stressed that faster clearance would reduce high costs that are eventually passed on to consumers in South Sudan.

In Mombasa, the Minister held consultative talks with the Chairperson of the Kenya Ports Authority, Hon Benjamin Dalu Tayari. Discussions focused on reviewing the free storage period and reducing container deposit requirements. Both sides agreed that inefficiencies at the port have a direct effect on prices of goods in South Sudan.

To strengthen cooperation, Hon Atong proposed reactivating the Joint Ministerial Commission to provide a formal platform for resolving trade disputes.

She also called for improved information sharing on trade data and investment opportunities, joint promotion of value addition in agro processing and manufacturing, and technical cooperation to modernise customs and trade systems using Kenya’s regional experience.

“Our shared objective is simple, the timely and cost effective movement of goods for the benefit of our people,” Hon Atong said. “By addressing these bottlenecks together, we strengthen trade and the historic bond between South Sudan and Kenya.”

The Ministry of Trade and Industry said the mission reflects the Government of South Sudan’s commitment to active economic diplomacy and to protecting the interests of South Sudanese traders and transporters within the East African region.