Smooth operator A container freight station has been established in Nairobi to benefit SMEs. The transit shed is the result of collaboration between the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Railways Corporation to enhance ease of doing business and reduce costs for traders. Instead of being required to travel to the nearest inland container depot, traders will be able to collect their goods at the new station. Freight will be transported from Kilindini port to the inland container depot in Embakasi, and then to the transit shed via rail. There, consolidated cargo will be removed from containers and stored individually in the customs shed for verification by officials. The transit shed is expected to serve approximately 7 500 small traders in Nairobi and its environs and will accommodate approximately 100 containers per month. Post-COVID, that number is expected to grow to 300, with operations on a 24-hour basis. 24 November 2020 Image: Gallo/Getty Images