Nairobi, Kenya, Apr 28 – A new grain handling and storage port was launched today in Embakasi, Nairobi, marking a historic moment for Kenya.
The advanced infrastructure, which President William Ruto commissioned, is essential to modernizing the movement and storage of grains from the coast to inland terminals using standard gauge rail.
The Embakasi Grain Terminal, built by Grain Bulk Handlers Ltd (GBHL), will allow millers and manufacturers to quickly discharge, store, and transport grain from ships to the inland Nairobi terminal, ensuring greater efficiency while also reduce the cost of logistics.
Speaking at the launch of the facility, President Ruto expressed optimism that the terminal will play a crucial role in helping the country address food security in the country.
He said that terminal will provide immense benefits to the customers in the region and will also create employment opportunities.
“We are thrilled to see the completion of this incredible project as it has also created more jobs for our people. We are proud to have this terminal in our country, and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community and beyond,” he said.
He added that the SGR terminal will also contributes significantly to the commercial utilization of the standard gauge railway, which is a critical component of Kenya’s national transportation infrastructure.
Mohamed Jaffer, Chairman of GBHL said despite the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic presented numerous difficulties that caused the project to be delayed, they were able to finish it on time thanks to the stakeholders’ dedication and unwavering support.
“The journey to the successful completion of this project was not without its challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges that threatened to delay the project, but with the support and commitment of stakeholders, GBHL was able to overcome them and complete the project on schedule.
“The terminal will provide immense benefits to our customers and the region, and also create new employment opportunities, providing a boost to the local economy and creating a ripple effect across the supply chain,” he added.
Embakasi terminal’s primary function is to receive through the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), store and discharge grains as per demand.
He continued by saying that it will provide a seamless, point-to-point logistics solution with a number of advantages, such as a customs clearing facility on-site, a decreased degree of charges and theft, lower inventory costs, shorter transit times.
He also added that the project will increase trade flows, and clients will enjoy savings by collecting grain in bulk with the option for bagged.
“Our inland clients have seen the benefits of the terminal during its trial run since its construction. Customers are gaining in using this model without considering other secondary savings” added Mr. Jaffer.
GBHL owns and operates two specialized dry bulk discharge terminals at the Port of Mombasa with a total capacity of 414,300 metric tonnes, which includes a 258,500 metric tonne terminal for handling grain and a 155,800 metric tonne terminal for other dry bulk cargo.
