Kenyan Truck Drivers Decry Detentions in South Sudan

Kenyan truck drivers operating in South Sudan are facing a surge in arbitrary detentions and exploitative legal practices, raising concerns about the stability of cross-border trade between the two nations. 

The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDCA) has voiced strong criticism over what it describes as systemic challenges and a lack of Kenyan government intervention, despite escalating appeals for assistance. The most immediate concern involves the detention of numerous Kenyan drivers under unclear circumstances, often stemming from minor road incidents. Truckers report being imprisoned without formal charges, with release contingent upon informal compensation demands made by local authorities or affected parties. 

LoDCA characterises these demands as exploitative, fueled by ambiguous and selectively enforced traffic laws that disproportionately target foreign drivers.

Adding to the challenges is the unpredictable legal framework in South Sudan. Foreign drivers involved in minor infractions often face prolonged judicial processes lacking clear legal grounding. Securing legal representation proves difficult, and rulings often favour local interests. 

LoDCA argues that these systemic flaws create a hostile environment, where legal outcomes depend on the discretion of officials rather than established law.  Furthermore, excessive delays at inspection points along South Sudanese highways are significantly hampering logistics efficiency, creating bottlenecks that disrupt cross-border trade. These delays are attributed to the absence of standardised regulations within the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union. Despite regional agreements promoting harmonised transport policies, South Sudan continues to enforce unilateral measures that contradict established trade protocols.

This situation arises in the context of broader inconsistencies in South Sudan's regulatory landscape. Earlier this year, tensions flared over the alleged collection of taxes at the Kenyan port city of Mombasa, prompting concerns among traders who argued that such taxation violated existing customs laws and exacerbated delays in cargo movement. While South Sudanese officials maintain the new customs system is designed to enhance transparency, Kenyan stakeholders remain sceptical of its clarity and impact on logistics.

Trade between Kenya and South Sudan continues to expand, with Kenyan exports reaching approximately Ksh25 billion in 2024, a notable increase from Ksh22.2 billion the previous year. This growth underscores the importance of fostering a stable and predictable trading environment. However, LoDCA warns that the ongoing challenges in South Sudan could undermine economic ties and deter operators from engaging in cross-border transportation.