Nairobi: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has allocated USD190,000 (approximately Sh24.6 million) to the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA). The funding aims to support studies that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty freight vehicles on the Northern Corridor, a major trade route in East Africa.
According to Kenya News Agency, the funds will be used for a comprehensive assessment of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles, evaluating the feasibility of electric truck drayage, and electrifying vehicles operating within the Port of Mombasa. Additionally, the investment will aid in updating the greenhouse gas emissions accounting framework for the Northern Corridor and developing a gender-inclusive green freight transport program.
The Northern Corridor is a key multimodal transport network linking the Port of Mombasa to the Great Lakes region. It serves member states including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda. Managed by the NCTTCA, this corridor is vital for economic activities as it facilitates the movement of 75,000 tonnes of cargo daily, transported by 2,000 to 3,000 heavy-duty trucks from Mombasa to inland markets. However, it is also a significant source of carbon emissions.
The study funded by UNEP is expected to identify the necessary infrastructure, investment, and policy interventions to support the transition to electric vehicles in port operations and freight transport as cargo volumes are projected to increase. UNEP’s Head of Sustainable Mobility Unit Industry, Rob de Jong, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that the Port of Mombasa is expected to handle over 50 million tonnes of cargo by 2026. He warned that this growth could lead to increased carbon emissions unless cleaner technologies, such as electric trucks, are adopted.
Jong stressed the challenge of decarbonizing freight transport despite its crucial role in regional trade and economic integration. He emphasized the need for the freight transport sub-sector to be EV-ready by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global climate commitments. Establishing credible emissions data is critical for effective climate action, as Jong noted, “You cannot manage what you cannot measure.”
He praised the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030 as a roadmap for transforming freight transport with cleaner technologies and stronger policy frameworks. The strategy also focuses on building the capacity of truck operators and logistics companies to adopt low-carbon transport technologies.
NCTTCA Executive Director Dr. John Deng expressed that the funding from UNEP would expedite the implementation of the Green Freight Strategy by providing updated emissions data and assessing the feasibility of electrifying freight operations. He commended UNEP for its support in establishing freight transport emissions baselines and integrating the Corridor Emission Tracker into the Northern Corridor Transport Observatory.
The electric truck drayage study will be conducted collaboratively by NCTTCA, UNEP, and the Kenya Ports Authority to explore the transition from diesel-powered to electric trucks and cargo-handling equipment at the Port of Mombasa.
Dr. Deng also mentioned that the funding would support the development of a Gender Green Freight Transport Program, promoting women’s participation in the transport and logistics sector while advancing climate action. The program will conduct a corridor-wide gender and green freight baseline audit to identify gaps and inform future policy reforms and strategic partnerships.
