Kenya has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to establish a cool-logistics corridor, aiming to bolster perishable exports and stimulate economic growth.
Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen highlighted the significance of the MoU, emphasizing its role in facilitating private investment in cool-logistics infrastructure tailored for transporting fresh produce by sea.
The collaboration promises to be a boon for Kenya’s horticultural exporters, potentially doubling or tripling the country’s perishable exports and creating up to 3 million new jobs in the horticultural and agro-logistics sectors.
The cool-logistics corridor, facilitated by the MoU, encompasses various logistical elements such as port facilities, transportation networks, and regulatory frameworks.
It seeks to revolutionize fresh produce transportation, benefiting trade between Kenya and the Netherlands while propelling Kenya’s agricultural sector forward.
The partnership builds upon the longstanding trade relationship between Kenya and the Netherlands, further strengthening ties between the two countries as vital gateways – Kenya to East Africa and the Netherlands to Europe.
Prioritizing sustainability, the Mombasa-to-Malaba corridor emphasizes sea freight, boasting a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to air freight, with a 95% reduction in emissions.
Additionally, sea transport offers a more cost-effective solution, enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness in the global market.
The MoU presents an exciting opportunity for the private sector to invest in and adapt their infrastructure to seamlessly integrate with the cool-logistics system.
Coupled with other ongoing developments around the Port of Mombasa, such as the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, this initiative creates a conducive environment for investments in Kenya’s logistics sector.
