Trade talks between Kenya, DRC and Morocco await top court verdict

Mustafa said the uncertainty of the political situation was bad for business. "We hope for closure in this process, whichever way the Supreme Court sees it fit. Once we are past that ... life and business have to continue as people need to put food on the table," he said.

Mustafa was speaking during a meeting with Mombasa governor-elect, Abdulswamad Nassir, who requested to meet the business community to understand issues affecting them.

Mustafa said the manufactured goods will be transported to Kinsasha by sea because it is far cheaper than transporting them by trucks.

Comparative advantage

The Chair said there is a need for a conversation about the comparative advantage Mombasa has in the production of goods as the signatory of the East African Free Trade Movement (EAFT). "I would like to see manufacturing industries put up in Mombasa and production being done from the hinterland," said Mustafa.

Traders from the logistics, manufacturing, construction, shipping, and legal among other sectors met with the new county boss to discuss their issues and create a platform for future engagements.

Mr Mustafa welcomed the proposal by Nassir to have a single business permit across all the businesses in place of the many licenses that made business difficult in Mombasa.

He said talks are underway to have businesses pay in installments for the single business permit."