Kenya forms special unit to combat cargo theft

The Kenya government has established a special unit to combat cargo theft along the Northern Corridor route.

The Northern Corridor Transit Patrol Unit (NCTPU) which will operate between Mombasa and Busia in Western Kenya is aimed at stopping cases of containers theft that has been rampant.

Police spokesman Charles Owino said on Monday that the unit has more than 200 police officers drawn from different agencies including National Intelligence Service NIS, Directorate of Criminal investigation DCIO.

The unit was established following President Uhuru Kenyatta directive to ensure that the transit goods move faster from the port.

"The unit has started operating, we are optimistic that the cases of cargo being diverted will be reduced and will also curb tax evasion, smuggling of contrabands and drugs," said Owino.

Kenyatta warned that the government would not tolerate the continued theft of goods in transit, and directed that a joint unit be constituted.

The unit will also investigate corruption cartels believed to be colluding with government officials to smuggle drugs and illegal goods at the port of Mombasa.

Kenya has accused unscrupulous businessmen of colluding with police, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Ports Authority officials to smuggle contrabands, drugs and divert transit cargo.

He said his government will deal firmly with corrupt government officials who operate cartels within the port of Mombasa that cost Kenya millions in revenue losses. Endit