Long-distance drivers staged a protest at the Mombasa Port citing the exorbitant fees they have been forced to pay while carrying out their operations.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) confirmed the strike stating that they were being charged Ksh1,000 to Ksh5,000 for the arming of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) seals.
In a statement dated January 30, LoDDCA described this practice as exploitative as the service was legally free. "The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) strongly condemns the ongoing exploitation of truck drivers and transporters through the illegal charging of Kshs 1,000 to 5,000 for the arming of the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) seals a service that is legally FREE," part of the statement read.
A photo of the busy Mombasa Port in Mombasa County, Kenya Photo KPA "This unethical practice has resulted in unjustified financial burdens, operational inefficiencies, and severe delays in port activities, negatively impacting the transport and logistics sector." For this reason, the association directed all members to cease entry to the Mombasa Port until the matter was resolved and stop all cargo from being armed with RECTS until further notice.
