Kenyan Businesses Face Losses As Democratic Republic Of Congo Conflict Disrupts Trade

          By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has raised serious concerns among Kenyan businesses, with trade activities through the Port of Mombasa coming to a standstill.

Transport companies have suspended operations to and from the Democratic Republic Of Congo (DRC) resulting in significant financial setbacks.

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has confirmed that the escalating violence has severely disrupted cross-border trade, leading to substantial revenue losses.

“We’ve had to stop all trips to DRC, and this is directly affecting our income,” said KTA’s Chief Executive, Mercy Ireri.

Many Kenyan truck drivers are currently stranded in the DRC, facing dire conditions.

The Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers Association (LDTDA) reports that truckers are not only at risk due to the conflict but also suffering from a lack of essential supplies.

“It’s a desperate situation,” noted the association’s Secretary-General, Nicholas Mbugua.

Kabeberi Hassan, LDTDA’s Chairman, highlighted that the region has faced recurring security issues for years, exposing drivers to constant threats, emotional distress, and high costs.

A recent video circulating on social media features stranded drivers from Kenya and Tanzania pleading for evacuation assistance from their governments, stating they’ve run out of food and water.

The instability in DRC is not just a humanitarian crisis but also a major threat to regional trade.

The Port of Mombasa and the Northern Corridor, a key trade route linking Kenya with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC are expected to suffer major economic impacts.

The corridor handles significant transit cargo, with DRC being Kenya’s third-largest transit destination after Uganda and South Sudan.

According to the Kenya Ports Authority, DRC accounts for nearly 12% of all transit goods passing through Mombasa.

The disruption is costly, with estimates suggesting that every idle truck incurs losses of around $247 (approximately KSh 31,924) daily.

Kenyan businesses, especially those with investments in the DRC, are feeling the strain.

Companies like Equity Group, which have been active in promoting trade and investment opportunities in the region, now face an uncertain future.

East African Community (EAC) leaders, led by Kenya’s President William Ruto, have called for an immediate ceasefire.

However, DRC’s President Félix Tshisekedi was absent from the recent EAC summit, citing scheduling conflicts. Meanwhile, tensions are rising between Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa over the DRC crisis.

President Tshisekedi has vowed to regain control over the eastern regions, where M23 rebels have captured the strategic city of Goma and are advancing further south.

As the situation unfolds, businesses, drivers, and families across East Africa are left hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict.