The German government, through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has signed a deal with the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) to implement the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy.
The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions from cargo transport across rail, road, ports, and inland waterways.The partnership comes amid a surge in cargo handling at the Port of Mombasa, which has grown from 31.83 million tonnes in 2019 to over 41 million tonnes in 2024.
However, this increase has led to a corresponding rise in carbon emissions, necessitating the adoption of cleaner freight technologies. Under the agreement, GIZ will provide technical assistance to at least two transport infrastructure projects along the corridor. The support will focus on integrating sustainable transport solutions and promoting investments in green freight technologies.
Speaking on the collaboration, NCTTCA Executive Secretary Dr. Deng emphasized that the partnership will also involve capacity building to attract private sector investment in sustainable infrastructure.“The shift to green freight solutions is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity. With GIZ’s support, we aim to enhance efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint of our transport systems,” Dr. Deng stated.
The Northern Corridor, a key trade route connecting Kenya’s port of Mombasa to landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, plays a crucial role in regional commerce. By adopting cleaner transport technologies, stakeholders hope to mitigate the environmental impact while ensuring sustainable economic growth.
The implementation of the Green Freight Strategy is expected to drive the adoption of energy-efficient transport modes, encourage the use of alternative fuels, and enhance freight logistics. Authorities believe that by integrating sustainable practices into the region’s transport network, the corridor can remain competitive while addressing climate concerns.
