Relief for traders as Kephis suspends new Mombasa Port charges
The charges, which took effect on March 1, 2025, had sparked protests from traders and the Council of Governors (CoG), who argued that the additional costs were hurting businesses.
Traders using the Mombasa port have been granted a reprieve after the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) suspended newly introduced cargo inspection fees.
The charges, which took effect on March 1, 2025, had sparked protests from traders and the Council of Governors (CoG), who argued that the additional costs were hurting businesses.
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The fees required traders to pay Sh2,000 for a 20-foot container and Sh500 for a 40-foot container, leading to backlash from stakeholders.
A letter from the CoG, Mombasa County, and the Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) confirmed that Kephis had agreed to put the charges on hold to allow further discussions.
“I wish to formally convey that the Council of Governors has confirmed the suspension of Kephis charges at the Port of Mombasa. This follows a consultative meeting convened on March 14, 2025, at the CoG offices in response to concerns raised by the County Government of Mombasa regarding the imposition of pest inspection charges by Kephis,” CoG chief executive Mary Mwiti wrote in a letter to KSAA chief executive Elijah Mbaru.
She further noted that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be signed between Mombasa County and Kephis to establish a clear process for container and vessel inspections, ensuring that each party operates within its mandate.
The decision to suspend the charges has been welcomed by traders and shipping agents, who had described the fees as an unnecessary burden on trade.
Kephis had earlier directed all shipping lines and agents to submit import and export manifests in advance to facilitate smooth inspections.
With the charges now on hold, further consultations will determine the next steps for port inspections.
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