Inland Container Depots

Inland Container Depots, otherwise known as ICDs, are dry ports equipped for handling and temporary storage of containerized cargo as well as empties. This means that hinterland customers can receive port services more conveniently closer to their premises.

In addition to managing and operating the sea ports, Kenya Ports Authority owns and manages three Inland Container Depots strategically located in Embakasi- Nairobi, Kibos in Kisumu, and Eldoret.

ICDs are a convenient shipping alternative extending port services closer to hinterland customers. The depots are directly linked to the container terminal at the port of Mombasa by rail through a service called ‘railtainer’ provided by the Rift Valley Railways. This service transports containerized cargo by rail, on Through Bill of Lading (TBL) status.

ICD Objectives

The Kenya Ports Authority saw it fit to set up Inland Container Depots due to the following strategic objectives:

. Bring Port services closer to hinterland customers- customers based in the hinterland can have access to the same services offered at the port of Mombasa without having to travel all the way for the same thus saving time and money. The ICDs are therefore an efficient shipping solution . decongesting the Port of Mombasa - the ICDs help decongest the container terminal at the port by reducing container dwell time through enhanced take-off of import containerized cargo for clearance at the ICD. In addition, the depots also facilitate for the dispatch of export containers therefore increasing container turn around time creating more space at the Container Terminal in Mombasa. . Minimize road damage and carnage - the ICDs facilitate the diversion of heavy container traffic from the road to rail. This in turn minimizes road damage caused by heavy trucking thus ensuring smoother roads while giving them more life. . Provide safety and security to transit cargo - cargo transported by rail is safer and more secure therefore ensuring the safe transportation of cargo to and from the port of Mombasa . Saving customer costs - Customers reduce the amount of time and money that would have otherwise been spent traveling all the way to the Port of Mombasa to clear or forward cargo

Inland Container Depots are rail linked and therefore allow containers to be sent by rail directly to a satellite terminal, therefore bringing “dry port” facilities to the commercial heart of Kenya and transit countries by providing a more efficient and cost effective transport solution for importers and exporters. ICD Nairobi (Embakasi) Located close to Nairobi’s busy industrial area, the ICD was established in 1984 and has a container stacking area of 99,000sq m with a capacity to handle 180,000 TEUs annually. This facility provides a one-stop shipping centre that not only caters for all shipping needs but in addition also includes; a commercial bank to ease financial transactions, a weigh bridge and a railway siding for transportation logistics.

Over the years, the depot has experienced considerable growth in throughput. With developments that include acquiring more efficient equipment and a competent work force, the ICD has been dedicated to improving service delivery through focused superior customer service as well as fostering strong working relations with its stakeholders.

In tandem with KPA’s vision to be rated amongst the top 20 ports in the world in terms of reputation and performance, ICDs strive to be the best in terms of technological advancement, efficient and effective business management processes as well as offering competitive and superior customer service.