The Sultan Stands Tall: A Look into Joho’s Multi-Million Freight Business

They say that time is the ultimate healer even of our most severe wounds. It’s been about 2 years out of business for Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho after the government sut down his freight business.

The closure followed a letter from the Kenya Ports Authority to the stations’ management notifying them that they would not be allowed to receive cargo from the harbour.

“It has been decided that nomination of containers to your CFS be suspended with immediate effect,” KPA Managing Director Gichiri Ndua said in the letter dated January 21, 2016 without giving any reason for the action.

The closure was attributed to the political differences between Governor Joho and the Jubilee Government. The Governor had a long running war of words with President Kenyatta, a war that at times turned personal.

Well, with the coming of the handshake, Governor Joho and his family will soon be smiling back to the bank after latest developments. The government has apparently lifted the ban on Joho’s Freight business with the governor now back in business.

The company placed a banner on the SGR container reading, “Autoports Freight Terminal Limited – your navigator in the logistics world – supporting the SGR.”

KPA ordered the closing of Portside and Autoports freight terminals in 2016 amid allegations they were linked to smuggling of multimillion-shilling goods.

The Association of Importers of Kenya termed the shutdown illegal, saying the Uhuru administration had failed to follow the legal procedure. AIK said the shutdown was supported by a political witch-hunt to ensure Joho’s family accumulated losses.

The government’s decision to lift the ban on Joho’s business is surely a welcomed move by not only him but also the people of Mombasa some of whom were employed in the facility.

According to the business’ official website, the following are the services it offers:

  • Adequate insured private warehousing space.
  • Import Bonded warehouse
  • Break-bulk/units/containerized cargo handling & storage for both local and transit
  • Export FCL / LCL.
  • Control checks on entry & exit of goods.
  • Dedicated and cooperative custom services strategic for business facilitation
  • Stripping facilities
  • Onsite government bodies and agents
  • Update reports and Waiver consideration.

Do you support the Government’s move to let Joho back to business?

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