NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 2 – The Postal Corporation of Kenya (Posta) has invested Sh96.8 million in 11 trucks to expand last-mile delivery services and diversify revenue streams amid declining mail volumes and growing competition from private courier companies.

The fleet, acquired in partnership with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), comprises six refrigerated trucks for transporting temperature-sensitive goods and five vehicles for non-perishable products.

The refrigerated vehicles will operate under the Post4Health initiative, delivering medicines, vaccines and fresh produce, including flowers and vegetables, while the remaining trucks will support general cargo distribution.

Postmaster General John Tonui said the investment is expected to improve operational efficiency while positioning the corporation to tap into emerging logistics opportunities.

“This investment will help us improve supply chain efficiency, reduce losses, expand our customer base and develop sustainable new revenue streams for the Corporation,” Tonui said.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy William Kabogo said the refrigerated trucks would help address gaps in the distribution of essential medical supplies, particularly in remote areas where maintaining cold-chain conditions remains a challenge.

He said the government intends to leverage Posta’s nationwide network to strengthen healthcare distribution rather than establish separate delivery infrastructure for different public services.

“Government welcomes the Post4Health project because it puts a national network we already own to work for the health of Kenyans,” Kabogo said.

The Communications Authority contributed Sh42 million through the Universal Service Fund towards three refrigerated trucks.

Japan, through the UPU’s Post4Health programme, provided approximately Sh23.5 million, while the UPU Quality of Service Fund contributed about Sh31.3 million for the five non-refrigerated vehicles.

The investment follows an April 2025 agreement between Kenya and the UPU to strengthen Posta’s capacity to distribute healthcare products and technologies.

The corporation is seeking to leverage its nationwide infrastructure to expand beyond traditional mail services as digital communication continues to reshape the postal industry.