Statistics from the Northern Corridor Transport Observatory report for the period April to June 2020 showed a 5% decline in the aggregate throughput for the months from January to May 2020; from 14.3 million metric tonnes in 2019 to 13.6 million metric tonnes in 2020. During the same period, imports accounted for 82% of the total throughput; suggesting that the balance of trade was unfavourable.

In response to a directive by the COMESA Council of Ministers in May 2020 to develop a platform to support regional trade, during the COVID-19 pandemic, COMESA has developed an online portal to be used by Member States to exchange information on availability of essential products within the region.

During a week-long exercise of distributing 10,000 Masks and reflective jackets to Long Distance Truck drivers in Mombasa and at the Weighbridges namely; Busia, Webuye, Mariakani, Athi-River and Gilgil; Truck drivers have lauded the Northern Corridor Secretariat for its relentless efforts in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

At the Northern Corridor Secretariat, we understand the difficult situation our Corridor finds itself in and we fully support the national, regional and international measures being taken to flatten the curve of COVID-19 spread. Our top priority in this unsettling time is to ensure continuous supply of essential goods including medicines, fuel, and food is fully facilitated along the Northern Corridor and at the same time limit the spread of COVID-19.

The tour for the Rwanda stakeholders was to appreciate the initiatives put in place to facilitate users of Mombasa Port; learn about the Port, SGR and ICDs operations; strengthen cooperation and collaboration for a conducive working environment, and discuss issues affecting the use of the Mombasa port by Rwanda Stakeholders.