The political crisis in Uganda is bleeding the Kenyan economy. The ongoing internet shutdown ordered by President Museveni during the election period has paralyzed cargo clearance at the Malaba border and the Port of Mombasa, costing logistics firms an estimated Sh300 million daily.

With Uganda’s customs systems offline, thousands of trucks are stuck in a gridlock that stretches for 15 kilometers from the Malaba border post. The ripple effect is being felt in Mombasa, where cargo destined for the hinterland is piling up, clogging the container terminals.

"We Are Flying Blind"

"You cannot declare goods to a system that is offline," said Roy Mwanthi, Chair of the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA). "Our drivers are sleeping in their cabins, the perishable goods are rotting, and the demurrage charges are mounting. This election is expensive for everyone."

• The Northern Corridor Standoff: Uganda is the biggest user of the Mombasa port. A blockage there chokes the entire Northern Corridor, affecting Rwanda, South Sudan, and DRC.
• Alternative Routes: Desperate traders are reportedly rerouting some cargo through the Central Corridor via Tanzania, fearing post-election violence could keep the Ugandan route closed for weeks.

As the blackout enters its fourth day, Kenyan business leaders are urging the East African Community (EAC) to intervene, arguing that a digital shutdown in one member state is a trade barrier for all.