East Congo Conflict Disrupts Kenya's Trade Routes and Investment.
The escalating war in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has halted trade operations, affecting Kenyan businesses and threatening billions in investments.
Transport companies using the Mombasa Port for DRC trade have stopped their operations. This disruption impacts cargo haulers, drivers, importers, and exporters.
Kenya Transporters Association CEO Mercy Ireri reports significant business and revenue losses. "Transporters cannot go there at the moment," she said.
According to the Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers Association, many Kenyan truck drivers remain stranded in Congo. The group notes that rebel attacks and poor roads caused months-long delays before the current crisis.
"The situation there is terrible," said Nicholas Mbugua, the association's Secretary-General.
Association chairman Kabeberi Hassan describes the DRC situation as a yearly challenge. Drivers face security risks, mental stress, and high costs with limited support.
Stranded Tanzanian and Kenyan drivers posted a video plea this week from Goma. "We have nowhere to run; we have run out of food and water supplies," one driver said, requesting government evacuation help.
The conflict threatens regional trade through major ports in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. DRC joined the East African Community in April 2022, attracting significant Kenyan investment, particularly from banks like Equity Group.
Mombasa Port data shows DRC ranks third in transit destinations, handling 11.8 percent of transit goods. Uganda leads at 65.7 percent, followed by South Sudan at 12.7 percent.
Operators spend $247 on each stranded truck daily. The Northern Corridor, stretching 1,700 kilometers from Mombasa through multiple countries to Eastern DRC, serves about 1,500 trucks.
East African Community leaders called for a ceasefire at a recent meeting led by Kenya's President William Ruto. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi missed the meeting, citing schedule conflicts.
Tensions remain high between Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa over the conflict. President Tshisekedi pledges to restore government control in Eastern Congo, where M23 rebels hold Goma and advance southward.
The escalating war in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has halted trade operations, affecting Kenyan businesses and threatening billions in investments.
Transport companies using the Mombasa Port for DRC trade have stopped their operations. This disruption impacts cargo haulers, drivers, importers, and exporters.
Kenya Transporters Association CEO Mercy Ireri reports significant business and revenue losses. "Transporters cannot go there at the moment," she said.
According to the Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers Association, many Kenyan truck drivers remain stranded in Congo. The group notes that rebel attacks and poor roads caused months-long delays before the current crisis.
"The situation there is terrible," said Nicholas Mbugua, the association's Secretary-General.
Association chairman Kabeberi Hassan describes the DRC situation as a yearly challenge. Drivers face security risks, mental stress, and high costs with limited support.
Stranded Tanzanian and Kenyan drivers posted a video plea this week from Goma. "We have nowhere to run; we have run out of food and water supplies," one driver said, requesting government evacuation help.
The conflict threatens regional trade through major ports in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. DRC joined the East African Community in April 2022, attracting significant Kenyan investment, particularly from banks like Equity Group.
Mombasa Port data shows DRC ranks third in transit destinations, handling 11.8 percent of transit goods. Uganda leads at 65.7 percent, followed by South Sudan at 12.7 percent.
Operators spend $247 on each stranded truck daily. The Northern Corridor, stretching 1,700 kilometers from Mombasa through multiple countries to Eastern DRC, serves about 1,500 trucks.
East African Community leaders called for a ceasefire at a recent meeting led by Kenya's President William Ruto. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi missed the meeting, citing schedule conflicts.
Tensions remain high between Rwanda's President Paul Kagame and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa over the conflict. President Tshisekedi pledges to restore government control in Eastern Congo, where M23 rebels hold Goma and advance southward.
