MOMBASA'S GREATEST ASSET

                       

 

The Mombasa port is a prized asset for Kenya,It not only facilitates the country's shipping trade but also serves as a strategic asset for the East Africa Region.

The port plays an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as it is the gateway to East and Central Africa.It handles imports and exports for Kenya,Uganda,Rwanda,Democratic Republic of Congo,South Sudan and Burundi.The rail and road networks built by the Chinese,suggests improved hinterland connectivity in Africa.History shows that Portuguese,Indian,Persian and Arab traders also used Mombasa as an entry point into East Africa.

The Chinese were adamant about Mombasa port being a part of the railway line because they wanted the KPA to be the guarantor if the Kenya Railways Corporation(KRC) defaulted in its obligations.Had the Kenyan government demurred, the project would never have taken off.The Chinese then put in an additional clause seeking that the KRA transport a minimum of 6 million tonnes of cargo annually through the railway line.