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Originally published by The Standard BusinessSeptember 18, 2025
2w ago
Clearing firms hope to process more cargo, grow businesses

A number of clearing and forwarding firms and customs agents have closed shop or scaled down businesses, citing the high cost of doing business amid strict compliance issues enforced by agencies..
✨ Key Highlights
Kenyan clearing and forwarding firms expect improved cargo processing and business growth following a new partnership aimed at easing the burden of container deposit guarantees, which has significantly impacted their operations.
- A deal between Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Associated (Kifwa) and Viaservice will see Viaservice take responsibility for container deposits, demurrage, and damage, freeing up capital for customs agents.
- The new agreement is anticipated to alleviate port congestion at Mombasa Port by reducing the time freight forwarders spend raising cash deposits, which previously took up to four days for small and medium-sized businesses.
- The container deposit for a 20-foot container for the domestic market is $500 (Sh64,230), and for transit containers, it ranges from $1,000 (Sh128,461) to $5,000 (Sh642,305) for a 20-foot and 40-foot container, respectively.
- Viaservice, which entered the Kenyan market last June, currently covers four shipping lines and approximately 35 percent of freight forwarders, with plans to expand across Africa.
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