The Kenya Transporters Association has accused Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC, and PIL of “monopolizing the logistics value chain, marginalizing local businesses.”
According to media reports, the Kenya Competition Authority has recently launched an antitrust investigation into several major shipping lines, alleging market abuse, collusion, and discriminatory practices to exclude local enterprises.
The investigation was triggered by complaints from the Kenya Transporters Association and the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association. These industry groups claim that although local businesses own 90% of trucking assets, multinational corporations control over 70% of logistics contracts through exclusive agreements and vertically integrated operations.
**Related Media Reports**
In March 2024, the Kenya Transporters Association filed a complaint with the country’s trade commission, arguing that Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC, and PIL “monopolize the logistics value chain, pushing local firms to the sidelines.”
The association also proposed reserving 60% of logistics contracts for local businesses, but the Kenya Competition Authority rejected the idea, citing violations of market allocation prohibitions.
By mid-2024, following a directive from Kenya’s parliament, the Competition Authority completed a market screening and formally launched a comprehensive investigation into the maritime, customs clearance, freight forwarding, and trucking sectors. In addition to the aforementioned shipping giants, the probe also involves other industry players.
Currently, Kenya’s antitrust regulator is examining allegations that multinationals have signed closed agreements and blocked local competitors from accessing key markets. The investigation will also scrutinize terminal handling charges, yard fees, cleaning fees, as well as corporate control over multiple supply chain segments, delayed document processing, inflated demurrage fees, and preferential treatment for affiliated companies.
According to data from the Kenya Ports Authority, Maersk and CMA CGM held 35% and 25% of Kenya’s cargo transport market share, respectively, in 2023. At the Port of Mombasa, the top shipping lines account for over 90% of the container shipping market.
As a result, the Kenya Competition Authority believes Maersk and CMA CGM possess significant market dominance and must be investigated for potential abuse of their advantageous positions.
The antitrust investigation is ongoing and is expected to conclude by September 30, 2025.
