Kenya’s transport sector is facing mounting pressure as theft targeting valuable cargo escalates, leaving drivers exposed to danger and transport companies struggling to cope with financial and legal liabilities that they describe as unsustainable.
In a statement released on Friday, the Kenya Transporters Association reported that organised criminal groups have stolen eight coffee consignments over the past two months.
The association said these attacks are highly organised and well-funded, and some incidents have tragically resulted in loss of life, raising serious safety concerns for drivers on the road.
KTA highlighted that transporters often shoulder the blame even when they are victims of crime.
"When theft occurs while cargo is under customs control, transporters are subjected to an excessive and unjust burden," the group said.
The association explained that missing cargo frequently leads to truck impoundments by the Kenya Revenue Authority, demands for unpaid duties and taxes, and compensation claims from cargo owners. Freight payments are sometimes withheld entirely, leaving transporters financially exposed despite being the victims.
KTA criticised the East African Community Customs Management Act, which automatically holds transporters liable for stolen goods, calling it fundamentally unfair and misaligned with the realities on the ground.
To mitigate these risks, the association urged cargo owners to implement basic safety protocols, including providing security escorts for all high-value shipments, arranging comprehensive insurance, and including protection clauses in transport agreements.
Transporters were also advised to protect themselves by maintaining proper liability insurance, avoiding night travel where feasible, and using only approved secure parking facilities. For high-value shipments, moving in convoys was recommended wherever possible.
KTA further pointed out the disconnect between the value of cargo and current transport rates. A container of coffee or cocoa, valued between 80,000 and 150,000 dollars, is often moved at rates as low as 900 dollars per trip—a sum that fails to account for the high operational, security, and financial risks involved.
"Current transport rates do not reflect the exceptional risks associated with the transportation of high-value cargo. The value per container of coffee and cocoa ranges between $80,000 and $150,000, yet prevailing transport rates are as low as $900 per trip/container. This pricing is commercially indefensible and does not justify the operational, security, and financial risks borne by transporters," KTA said.
The association recommended a minimum rate of 2,000 dollars for high-value goods transported along the Kampala–Mombasa route, while lower-value shipments should be charged at 1,250 dollars per trip. For other routes, rates should be calculated based on distance, cargo worth, and weight.
