The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in a bid to reduce costs and enhance efficiency has recently issued a customer notice regarding changes to their storage fees and free period for transit cargo that will . This notice, which comes into effect on May 1st, 2023, states that the storage free period for transit cargo will be extended from the current 9 days to 15 days. Additionally, there will be a reduction in the number of storage bands for transit cargo, from 6 bands to 4 bands.

These changes are aimed at reducing costs and enhancing efficiency for importers and exporters using the port. The extended free period will provide more time for cargo owners to clear their goods and reduce the number of demurrage charges incurred. Demurrage charges are fees charged for the storage of goods beyond the free period, and the reduction in the number of storage bands will simplify the process of calculating these charges.

The customer notice is one of the many steps taken by the authority to improve the operational efficiency of the port and make doing business more cost-effective. It follows other recent initiatives, such as the introduction of the Single Window System, which allows for the electronic submission of import and export documentation, and the upgrading of port infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels.

The KPA’s efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs are particularly important given the competitive nature of the global shipping industry. By reducing the costs associated with using the port, the KPA can attract more business from importers and exporters, thereby boosting the regional economy.

A positive development for importers and exporters using the port, these changes will provide more time for cargo owners to clear their goods and simplify the process of calculating demurrage charges, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing efficiency.

The official launch of the “Kigali Cargo Hub,” the arrival of the first Qatar Airways Freighter, and the partnership between Rwandair and Qatar Airways was a key milestone to witness. It is significant not only for Rwanda’s imports and exports but the entire cargo logistics industry. With the Kigali Cargo Hub’s launch, an increase in network, space availability, and hopefully more competitive per kilo rate are anticipated.

The landing of the Qatar Airways Cargo Freighter at Kigali International Airport was exciting. The partnership between Rwandair and Qatar Airways provides excellent opportunities for the region’s cargo logistics industry. The Kigali Cargo Hub’s launch is also significant for Rwanda’s economy, as it is expected to boost the country’s trade.

The partnership between Rwandair and Qatar Airways will provide customers with alternative options for shipping their goods. Additionally, the Kigali Cargo Hub’s launch will help Rwanda become a hub for trade in the region. It will provide a platform for the country to showcase its potential and encourage other stakeholders to invest in Rwanda’s logistics industry.

The launch of the Kigali Cargo Hub is a significant development for the entire cargo logistics industry in Africa. It will provide shippers with more options, better connectivity, and more efficient transportation of their goods. Additionally, the hub will provide more employment opportunities and contribute to the growth of the Rwandan economy.

The opportunity to participate in the official launch of the “Kigali Cargo Hub,” witness the arrival of the first Qatar Airways Freighter, and the partnership between Rwandair and Qatar Airways was incredibly positive. Our expectation is for networks to expand, available space to increase, and per kilogram rates to become more competitive, and we are eagerly looking forward to witnessing the positive impact these developments will have on both Rwanda’s economy and the wider region.

Multilines Rwanda‘s Managing Director, Mrs. Julie Mutoni, played a pivotal role in a panel discussion that focused on the significance of upskilling and continuous learning to drive innovation and growth in the transport and logistics industry. The discussion highlighted the crucial role of professionalism and capacity building in shaping the future of the industry.

The panel discussion emphasized the need to create opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups to enter and excel in the transport and logistics industry. Multilines International firmly believes that fostering a culture of professionalism is essential to promoting ethical behavior and accountability, creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.

As an active player in the industry, Multilines International is committed to collaborating with others to build a stronger, more professional, and inclusive industry. The company is grateful to all the panelists for their valuable insights and to the attendees for their active participation and engagement. By promoting professionalism and capacity building, Multilines International aims to contribute to the growth and innovation of the transport and logistics industry.

Multilines International recognizes that the industry is constantly evolving, and professionals must adapt and upskill to remain relevant and competitive. The company is dedicated to providing training and development opportunities for its employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. Additionally, Multilines International seeks to encourage continuous learning and upskilling among professionals in the industry through various initiatives and partnerships.

The panel discussion moderated by Mrs. Julie Mutoni was an essential platform to discuss the importance of upskilling, continuous learning, and professionalism in the transport and logistics industry. Multilines International is committed to promoting these values to create a more inclusive and diverse industry that drives innovation and growth. By investing in the development of its employees and collaborating with other stakeholders in the industry, Multilines International hopes to contribute to the growth and success of the transport and logistics industry.

At Multilines International, we understand that success isn’t just about individual achievements; it’s about the collective effort of a strong, united team. Our commitment to teamwork is at the core of our company culture, and we recently had the pleasure of hosting an inspiring team building event for our dedicated team in Rwanda. It was a day filled with reflection, collaboration, and growth – an opportunity for our team to come together, strengthen bonds, and align our goals for the rest of the year.

The day kicked off with a morning business review session, where we took a close look at our performance over the past seven months. It was a chance to celebrate our successes and analyze areas where we can improve. This reflection is essential in keeping our team on the right track and ensuring we meet our targets and KPIs by year-end.

During the review, we set our sights on where we want to be by the end of the year. Clear goals and objectives were defined, serving as a roadmap for the months ahead. This goal-setting process ensures that every member of our team knows their role and how their efforts contribute to the larger picture.

But it wasn’t all about numbers and goals. In the afternoon, we shifted gears to engage in a series of team building activities that brought out the best in all of us. Laughter filled the air as we collaborated, problem-solved, and challenged ourselves. These activities served as a reminder of the importance of unity, effective communication, and trust within a team.

At Multilines International, we firmly believe that teamwork is the cornerstone of success. Our commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration is not just a one-time event but an ongoing effort. We recognize that when our team works together seamlessly, we achieve innovation, create a shared sense of purpose, and accomplish the extraordinary.

One of the key takeaways from our team building day is the improvement in communication among team members. When we feel comfortable with one another, it naturally leads to more effective communication in the workplace. A culture of open and honest communication is vital for us to tackle challenges head-on and work cohesively as a team.

Our team building day was not just about fun and games; it was about reinforcing our commitment to working together as a team to achieve our goals. We believe that when we combine our individual strengths, we can accomplish remarkable feats. The day served as a testament to our company culture, emphasizing the importance of unity, innovation, and shared purpose.

As we continue on our journey for the rest of the year, we do so with a stronger, more connected team, ready to face challenges and celebrate successes together. At Multilines International, there is certainly no ‘I’ in team, and our team building event reminded us of that in the most enjoyable way possible.