Foreign Minister Returns from Kenya After Talks on South Sudan’s Naivasha Dry Port

By Sasuk Taban

South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Amb. Dr. James Pitia Morgan, has returned to Juba after an official working visit to Kenya, where discussions centered on accelerating the operationalization of South Sudan’s planned dry port in Naivasha.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Morgan met with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, as well as other senior Kenyan government officials during the visit.

The two sides reviewed progress on establishing the Naivasha dry port, with the Government of Kenya confirming that land for the facility has already been allocated to South Sudan. The remaining steps involve completing administrative procedures between Kenya’s National Treasury and the Kenya Revenue Authority, including the issuance of the required waiver.

Once operational, the dry port is expected to streamline the clearance and movement of cargo destined for South Sudan, reducing congestion and lengthy storage periods at the Port of Mombasa.

The ministry said the facility will help address long-standing challenges faced by South Sudanese importers, including high storage charges and the risk of goods being auctioned due to delayed clearance. Cargo handled through the Naivasha dry port is also expected to incur lower storage costs and be processed more efficiently before entering South Sudan.

Officials believe the project will lower the cost of doing business, improve the supply of essential commodities, and provide economic benefits for traders and consumers across South Sudan.

Morgan was received upon his arrival at Juba International Airport by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Akuei Bona Malwal, alongside senior ministry officials.