Truckers Reveal How They Could Save 150 Litres of Fuel on Mombasa Kampala Trips

Truckers Eye 150-Litre Fuel Savings as Rising Costs Hit Northern Corridor

Transporters operating along Kenya’s Northern Corridor are seeking new ways to cut fuel consumption as rising prices continue to put pressure on their earnings.

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has partnered with the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) to promote fuel-efficient driving and better fleet management among truck operators.

The initiative aims to help transport companies reduce operating expenses while improving road safety and limiting harmful emissions.

KTA chairman Newton Wang’oo said fuel accounts for about 50 to 55 per cent of the cost of a typical freight journey, making it one of the biggest expenses for transport businesses.

He explained that rising fuel prices have continued to affect profits, forcing transporters to look for practical ways to reduce unnecessary consumption without disrupting cargo deliveries.

One of the proposed solutions is eco-driving, which involves adopting driving habits that help vehicles use less fuel.

According to industry representatives, truck operators could save up to 150 litres of fuel on a return journey between Mombasa and Kampala by applying better driving practices.

The measures include smoother acceleration and braking, maintaining appropriate speeds, avoiding unnecessary engine idling and ensuring that vehicles receive regular maintenance.

Transport companies are also being encouraged to use fuel-monitoring systems, vehicle tracking technology and driver-performance records to identify waste and improve accountability.

The partnership supports the Northern Corridor Green Freight Strategy 2030, which seeks to improve freight fuel efficiency by 10 per cent against the 2024 baseline.

The strategy also targets a 10 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions intensity and a 12 per cent reduction in selected harmful air pollutants.

In addition, the programme aims to train at least 1,000 heavy commercial vehicle drivers in eco-driving by 2030.

NCTTCA executive secretary Dr John Deng said transport operators and drivers have an important role in making freight transport more efficient because their daily decisions directly influence fuel consumption and vehicle performance.

The two organisations are also encouraging fleet managers to make fuel efficiency part of driver training, vehicle maintenance and routine business operations.

The Northern Corridor connects the Port of Mombasa to Kenya’s hinterland and neighbouring markets, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Reducing transport costs along the route could help businesses move goods more efficiently across the region. However, the actual savings will depend on how effectively transport companies implement the proposed measures.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/100053076714173/posts/1736251904820683/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

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