The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has raised alarm over a growing influx of foreign truck drivers in the country, warning that the trend is creating an uneven playing field in the transport industry and undermining compliance with labor and licensing laws.

In a statement released on October 4, KTA Chairman Newton Wang’oo stated that the association has received increasing complaints from local drivers regarding unfair labor practices, wage disparities, and selective enforcement of petroleum transport regulations.

According to Wang’oo, some transport companies are hiring foreign drivers, particularly from neighboring countries, at wages below the legal minimum, undercutting Kenyan drivers and violating established labor standards.

“Some truck owners are employing foreign drivers at wages below the legal minimum, often without adhering to statutory deductions,” the statement reads.

“While employing foreign nationals is not unlawful, both employers and employees must comply with the Employment Act of Kenya.”

KTA stated that all its members are bound by the association’s Code of Conduct, which requires full compliance with national labor and safety laws.

The group has urged employers to avoid practices that could damage the industry’s integrity or expose transporters to costly legal disputes.

The association also expressed concern over unequal enforcement of the Petroleum Licensing Regulations, claiming that Kenyan drivers face stricter compliance requirements than their foreign counterparts.

“Under the law, any driver handling petroleum products must hold a Petroleum Road Driver Certificate,” KTA noted.

“However, enforcement is often stricter on local drivers, while foreign drivers are sometimes exempted. This creates an unfair field and undermines compliance efforts.”

The association also highlighted insecurity along the Northern Corridor and cross-border routes, particularly through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.

Wang’oo said drivers have reported harassment and violence in these regions, calling for stronger government action and diplomatic engagement with affected countries.

KTA further warned that Kenya’s highly litigious labor environment exposes transporters to increased risks when employers fail to comply with wage laws.

It cited the Regulations of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order 2024, which requires employers to pay drivers above the government-mandated minimum wage.

“Paying below the legal minimum not only exposes transporters to penalties but also damages the reputation of the entire industry,” Wang’oo said.

The association called on all transporters to uphold fair labor practices, saying doing so ensures the safety, reliability, and sustainability of Kenya’s logistics sector.

KTA further vowed to continue engaging with driver unions, regulators, and policymakers to address welfare concerns and promote responsible business practices within the transport sector.

“We must uphold these standards not only because the law demands it, but because the welfare of our drivers directly translates into the safety, reliability, and integrity of our businesses,” Wang’oo added.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates