Kenya to compensate USD 63 mn to Uganda, Rwanda firms for poll chaos losses

The traders stated that they have lost trucks and goods along the Northern Corridor that connects the port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A Kenyan court has directed the government to pay 16 Ugandan and Rwandan companies USD 63 million as compensation for trucks and goods lost throughout the post-election chaos of 2007-2008.

On Friday the decision taken by the High Court judge Msagha Mbogholi is the single greatest award to be made in the poll chaos cases.

The 16 traders which were working under the East African Freight Forwarders Association, have been stressing for compensation for the past 10 years.

The traders stated that they have lost trucks and goods along the Northern Corridor that connects the port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The case filed in 2010, Kampala City Traders Association, Katraco Uganda, Intraspeed Logistics and Mugenga Holdings stated that they have lost 22 heavy-duty trucks that were destroyed in the anarchy.

Other companies that comprised in the case were Dooba Enterprises, Willex Uganda, Sebco Uganda, KPI Ltd, Bunyonyi Safaris, Seven Hills Impex, Uganda Agricultural Tools, Board City, Bidco Uganda and businessmen Suleiman Bateganya, David Musana and Arthur Turyahikayo.

The traders had demanded USD 47,557,081 in compensation.

In his decision, judge Mbogholi stated the traders had proved the harm of trucks and goods via arson attacks and theft.

Mboghali also stated that "There is no doubt whatsoever that they lost some business as a result. It is now almost 10 years from the time the cause of action arose."

The USD 63 million award was received after the initial claim was adjusted for inflation and interest.