The Mombasa-Juba trade corridor, a crucial link for South Sudan's cargo, is experiencing substantial challenges due to a combination of rising costs and increasing security concerns. This situation directly affects the flow of goods and the economic viability of this key trade route between Kenya and South Sudan.

Kenyan transporters have voiced concerns over recent security incidents along the Nimule–Juba Highway, a critical segment of the corridor. This route is essential for delivering humanitarian aid, fuel, and construction materials. In response, the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has advised truck drivers to complete their journeys by 4 PM EAT to enhance safety.

Historical and Political Context

South Sudan, a landlocked nation, heavily relies on its neighbours for maritime connectivity, with the Port of Mombasa serving as its primary gateway to international markets. Kenya and South Sudan share strong bilateral relations, with Kenya playing a significant role in South Sudan's transition to independence.

However, South Sudan's political and security situation remains unpredictable, with high political tensions and the potential for rapid deterioration. The civil war that erupted in December 2013, stemming from a feud between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, has had a profound impact on the country's economy and trade. The conflict has led to a considerable decline in domestic oil production, which dominates South Sudan's exports, and has hindered foreign trade.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The Mombasa-Juba corridor is part of the broader Northern Corridor, an intergovernmental initiative involving six East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) is tasked with coordinating infrastructure improvements and facilitating trade along this route.

Despite diplomatic efforts to address logistical issues, challenges persist. For instance, some cargo destined for South Sudan has been held at container freight stations in Mombasa due to non-compliance with security requirements, specifically regarding mandatory tagging seals for transit cargo. This issue has been exacerbated by a Kenyan High Court ruling in July 2025 that halted the operations of a cargo handling company, leading to cargo pile-ups.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The South Sudanese business community has urged their government to re-evaluate its cargo handling strategy at the Port of Mombasa to ensure a smoother flow of goods. Emmanuel Kachoul, Chairman of the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association and Business Community, has called for the reinstatement of a directive allowing cargo consolidation at two designated container freight stations.

Ambassador Anthony Kon of South Sudan to Kenya has reaffirmed his country's commitment to the Port of Mombasa and expressed a desire to collaborate with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to reduce transit costs. KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto has pledged continued support for South Sudan's growing cargo volumes.

Evidence and Data

In 2023, Kenya's exports to South Sudan amounted to $227 million, with main products including edible preparations, beer, and cement. Over the past five years, these exports have increased at an annualized rate of 12.1%. Conversely, South Sudan's exports to Kenya in 2023 were $123,000, primarily rough wood, medical instruments, and electrical transformers, showing an annualized decrease of 5.21% over the same period.

South Sudan is currently the second-largest transit market through the Port of Mombasa, after Uganda, with the port handling over 1.7 million tonnes of South Sudanese cargo in the past year. Road transport rates from Mombasa to Juba were cited at $2.47 per container in 2023. The average transport rate from Mombasa to Juba in March 2016 was $7,000 for a container, making it one of the most expensive routes per kilometre along the Northern Corridor.

Risks and Implications

The rising costs, particularly related to the management of empty containers, pose a significant burden on transporters and traders, ultimately inflating retail prices in South Sudan. A deposit of $5,000 (approximately KSh 645,000) is required for each container to South Sudan, with demurrage charges accumulating rapidly after a 28-day grace period. These charges can range from $40 to $100 daily for 40-foot containers and $20 to $50 daily for 20-foot containers.

Security risks along the corridor include armed robbery, violent attacks, and poor road conditions, particularly on the Juba-Nimule road. Checkpoints operated by armed individuals are common and have been associated with demands for money. The political instability in South Sudan also presents a high risk of serious crime, including kidnapping and armed conflict.

Unknowns and Controversies

The long-term impact of the ongoing political instability in South Sudan on the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the Mombasa-Juba corridor remains a significant unknown. While diplomatic efforts are underway to streamline trade and address security, the effectiveness of these measures in a volatile environment is yet to be fully seen. The full operationalisation of alternative routes and infrastructure projects like LAPSSET could offer solutions, but their complete impact is still unfolding.

Timeline and Next Steps

The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project is envisioned as a transformative initiative to enhance trade and connectivity, offering South Sudan a more direct route that could significantly reduce transit times and costs. As of October 2025, approximately 88 km of a key road stretch within the LAPSSET corridor, budgeted at KSh 28 billion, has been completed. This project is seen as crucial for unlocking the trade and developmental potential of the region.

What to Watch

Stakeholders will be closely watching the implementation of joint security measures and diplomatic engagements between Kenya and South Sudan to mitigate risks and reduce costs along the corridor. The progress of the LAPSSET Corridor project, particularly the completion of road networks and associated infrastructure, will be critical in offering a viable alternative and improving trade efficiency. Continued dialogue between the South Sudanese government and its business community, alongside the Kenya Ports Authority, will be essential in resolving outstanding logistical and financial barriers.