Transport
Gone are the days when a normal parcel would take days to reach the intended destination because of the travel logistics thanks to the successive infrastructural and technological advancements being witnessed across the country.
With the advent of the digital world and improved transportation systems, one could have their hard copies delivered on real time though the cost implications may be prohibitive.
As the saying goes time is money, and within less than 24 hours, parcels could safely be delivered from far places across Kenya but with additional cost being felt. The postage levy for a normal parcel from Kapenguria in West Pokot County to Nairobi has been on the upward trajectory using the Express Mail Services (EMS), that most clients consider to be the safest means to have one’s packages sent.
A spot check at the various EMS centres within Kapenguria Town in West Pokot County revealed that the prices had been revised upwards from the recent Sh580 to over Sh650 for normal parcels to Nairobi making Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to start a courier services section.
Although the services by the dealers are considered more reliable and convenient because they are delivered to the destination without involving a third party, the price increase has caused some individuals to opt for PSVs that deliver similar parcels at Sh200.
Those using the PSVs state that the services are almost equally convenient as long as one has a friend who can pick the parcel from the transport companies’ offices and using their own means to get the parcel reach the intended final destination.
Jamleck, not his real name, says during his college days back in 1980s and 90s, he would send a letter requesting for financial support from home and it would take several days if not weeks to have his request known.
“I am surprised that now my child at the college can go order for a meal and send a text message for the bills to be paid in real time. This is great but it might also on the contrary encourage extravagance,” he observed.
On matters of the differences in costs between the transportation of same parcels, he noted that logistics involved warranted that. He explained that he preferred sending official documents using established cargo transportation companies because the parcels got to the destination without involving unauthorized persons.
“In case my document goes astray, the company involved can retrace it smoothly unlike when using the PSVs where the transportation is at the owner’s risk,” he claimed.