Kenya has moved to fix the challenges that had threatened to stall the Sh6.9 billion Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Naivasha.

This comes days after Kampala protested the move by Nairobi to direct all transit cargo destined for Uganda -- Kenya's biggest trade partner -- to be cleared at the Naivasha ICD from June 1.

"The Naivasha ICD is ready and it is so important for the country and the region especially at this time when we are dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

DN body text: Mr Macharia said using the ICD would also be cheaper by about Sh45,000 ($450) per container compared to the roads.

On December 17 last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the extended standard gauge railway (SGR) freight services from Mombasa to the Naivasha ICD, promising faster transportation of cargo to western Kenya and on to neighbouring countries.