Trucks queue to enter the port of Mombasa to pick up cargo destined for South Sudan on December 26, 2013. Photo/Laban Walloga
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KPA operations manager Twalib Khamis said the traffic had not been affected because most of the consignments were destined for the relatively calm Juba in the south.
South Sudan accounts for an estimated 11 per cent of transit cargo at the port.
South Sudan cargo traffic is still being cleared at the port of Mombasa despite the ongoing conflict in that country, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has said.
KPA operations manager Twalib Khamis said the traffic had not been affected because most of the consignments were destined for the relatively calm Juba in the south.
Fighting is intense in the northern states of Bor, Bentiu and Jonglei.
“A large number of the South Sudan bound cargo was ordered before the conflict and we are still seeing it move as normal because the capital remains fairly stable,” Mr Khamis said.
The conflict between forces allied to President Salva Kiir and those of former vice-president Riek Machar started last month with efforts for mediation ongoing in Ethiopia.
The talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire were moved to the dance floor of the Gaslight Club in Addis Ababa from the Sheraton Hotel following bookings by a Japanese delegation accompanying Prime Minister Abe on his African tour.
According to the UN Security Council, an estimated 250,000 South Sudanese have since fled their homes while other countries like Kenya, Uganda and Somalia have airlifted their citizens from the country.
South Sudan accounts for an estimated 11 per cent of transit cargo at the port.
Mr Khamis said that the authority was liaising with the Compact Container Freight Station and monitoring how the cargo was moving.
“The country is one of the biggest users of the port and if the situation there gets any worse than it is, it is likely to negatively affect operations here,” he said.
Kenya Transporters Association acting chief executive Wellington Kiverenge said it was now possible for truck drivers to move into South Sudan.
When the fighting broke out most of the truck drivers were stranded in Uganda leading to transporters incurring losses.
“There has been movement registered by members since last week and most of the trucks have been moving in convoys with armed escort to their various destinations which for the moment is saving transporters from making any further losses,” Mr Kiverenge said.
