On August 14, 2024, Strathmore University’s third-year students undertaking the BSc. Supply Chain and operations Management Programme visited the Nairobi Inland Container Depot (ICD). Accompanied by their Lecturer Mr. Felix Mogesa, this visit aimed to provide a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world logistics.
The Immensity of Nairobi ICD captured the students’ attention upon arrival with the the sheer scale of the facility. Spanning over twenty-eight hectares, the Nairobi ICD, established in 1984, operates under the Kenya Ports Authority with direct oversight from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development. The depot is a hive of activity, where man and machine work in seamless harmony to ensure the smooth handling of containers arriving from the Port of Mombasa.
The tour kicked off with an introduction to the ICD’s core activities—handling containerized cargo and adhering to stringent safety measures. What stood out was the advanced logistics that enable the facility to unload around one hundred containers in just twenty minutes, a feat made possible by a meticulously coordinated system. This system involves round-the-clock monitoring and an exhaustive verification process, with unique codes assigned to each container both virtually and physically.
As the tour progressed deeper into the depot, students observed specialized sections for various types of cargo, including flammable substances, high-value items, refrigerated goods, and oil. Each section adheres to global safety standards, ensuring that every container is handled with precision and care.
A highlight of the visit was witnessing the operation of an industrial-scale X-ray machine, a technological marvel that scans the contents of containers using gamma rays. This ensures that the cargo matches the details on its manifest and prevents the smuggling of contraband into the country. The seamless integration of technology with human expertise at the ICD is a testament to the facility’s commitment to maintaining supply chain integrity.
Another fascinating aspect of the Nairobi ICD is the collaborative effort of multiple government agencies operating under one roof. With the presence of key state organs such as the Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Police, Interpol, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the depot exemplifies the high level of coordination required to manage such a complex facility. The students were particularly impressed by the cargo valuation processes, rigorous quality checks, and measures to combat illicit trade, all of which are crucial to Kenya’s import-export activities.
This visit to the Nairobi ICD not only showcased the depot as a critical logistics hub but also served as a living classroom where theory met practice. For the students, this experience will undoubtedly broaden their understanding of supply chain dynamics and inspire them as they prepare for their future careers in the industry.
About the BSc. Supply Chain and Operations Management Programme
Supply chain and operations management calls for integration in the procurement of goods and services, inventory management, transportation to and from production and service facilities, distribution of goods and services, and the information system infrastructure to support the processes. At the core of it is a focus on quality management, lean systems and information systems implementation.
The Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management programme is designed to integrate supply chain, logistics, operations and digitization. Special emphasis is placed on Production, Logistics, Big Data, BlockChain, Automation and Artificial Intelligence, and how they will impact supply chain and operations management in the near and far future. April 2022 intake is ongoing! Apply here
Article by Ruby Maina and Benjamin Mpweta
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