US President Barack Obama visit triggers delays in cargo flow

Truck owners fear a major disruption of cargo flow on the Northern Corridor following the closure of some roads in Nairobi to pave way for US President Barack Obama.

They estimate that more than six hours would be lost in truck stoppage after the closure of Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, Uhuru Highway, Limuru Road and Thika super highway.

Kenya Transport Association (KTA) whose members own more than 40,000 trucks said it has circulated a list of the roads where traffic flow would be disrupted.

"Certainly President Obama's visit will inconvenience all transporters," said KTA chairman Paul Maiyo.

Acting KTA chief executive officer Wellington Kiverenge said Obama's visit would cause delays in the movement of trucks since most of them do not travel at night.

"We have fears that President Obama's visit will affect truck turnaround and also have spillover effect on the port of Mombasa," Kiverenge explained.

However, Car Importers Association of Kenya national chairman Peter Otieno said Obama's visit would have caused a bigger delay of trucks if it fell on week days.

"We have a reprieve because President Obama is visiting on a weekend... If this were not the case, then we could be bracing for long delays and heavy losses in truck business," Otieno said.