New budget targets faster cargo movement, modern logistics hubs, improved border efficiency and stronger economic integration across East Africa.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Northern Corridor member states have approved a Sh884.6 million ($6.83 million) budget for the 2026/2027 financial year aimed at accelerating regional infrastructure development, improving cargo movement and strengthening trade facilitation across East Africa.
The approved allocation, which represents an increase of about Sh284.9 million ($2.2 million) from the previous year’s budget of Sh589 million ($4.55 million), reflects renewed commitment by member states to transform the Northern Corridor into a more efficient and competitive trade route.
The funding will support key projects including construction of roadside stations, automation of weighbridges, development of the Naivasha Inland Container Depot into a bankable logistics hub, opening of new cross-border transport links, and implementation of 32 priority regional projects focused on improving trade facilitation.
The resolutions were adopted during the 38th Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority Council of Ministers meeting held in Kenya, where member states reaffirmed their commitment to investing in roads, railway connectivity, border infrastructure, inland waterways and modern logistics systems.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior government representatives from Burundi, Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.
Those attending physically included Egide Niyimbere, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir, and South Sudan’s Minister for Transport Rizik Zakaria Hassan. Other representatives participated virtually.
The Council, chaired by Niyimbere, commended member states for their continued cooperation in implementing programmes designed to enhance the free movement of goods and improve regional trade competitiveness.
The ministers noted improved performance along the corridor, citing increased cargo throughput at the Port of Mombasa, growth in transit cargo volumes and stronger partnerships with development agencies supporting regional infrastructure projects.
The Council directed the NCTTCA Secretariat to intensify efforts to identify and remove non-tariff barriers affecting cargo movement while improving operational efficiency along the corridor.
It also approved strategies to promote logistics hubs, cargo consolidation centres and public-private partnership (PPP) projects aimed at increasing intra-regional trade and boosting exports.
NCTTCA Executive Secretary John Deng said collaboration among member states remains critical in addressing infrastructure challenges and reducing logistics costs.
He said the Authority is promoting integrated transport systems combining road, rail and inland waterways to improve connectivity and enhance the movement of goods across the region.
“We need to work together through collaboration among member states to address infrastructure constraints associated with increasing cargo throughput,” Dr Deng said.
The Northern Corridor, one of Africa’s busiest trade routes, links the Port of Mombasa to several landlocked economies and remains a critical artery for regional commerce, investment and economic growth.
