Kenyan Truck Drivers Warned Against Travel to South Sudan Amid Rising Attacks
LoDDCA warns Kenyan truckers on South Sudan routes after fatal shooting of driver Ahmed Salat, urging strict adherence to safety protocols.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 24, 2026
2 min read
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has issued a security alert to Kenyan truck drivers operating along the South Sudan transit corridor following an increase in violent attacks.
On August 22, Ahmed Salat, a Kenyan truck driver, was fatally shot while transporting cargo to Wau. His turnman survived but remains critically injured. Footage from LoDDCA showed Salat's vehicle riddled with bullet holes, highlighting the severity of the attack.
Rising Insecurity Along Transit Routes
LoDDCA reports a steady rise in attacks targeting foreign truck drivers in recent weeks. The association is urging drivers and transport companies to strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established in 2021 to enhance safety.
Key Safety Measures
- Travel only in convoys; avoid solo journeys along the transit corridor.
- Adhere strictly to approved travel hours between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM South Sudan time.
- Obtain police escorts when traveling through high-risk areas, particularly in Northern South Sudan.
These measures aim to reduce vulnerability amid growing threats, especially as South Sudan approaches a tense election period.
Trade and Security Context
Kenyan truckers form a critical link in the Northern Corridor, moving cargo from the Port of Mombasa through Uganda into South Sudan. The route accounts for nearly 10% of Kenya’s transit trade, with thousands of trips annually via the Juba-Nimule Highway.
The recent killing follows similar incidents, including the April 2026 murder of Kenyan driver Edwin Njuguna Ngugi in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, underscoring the broader risks faced by Kenyan drivers in the region.
Calls for Enhanced Security
LoDDCA has called on South Sudan’s government and security agencies to intensify patrols and provide timely intelligence to safeguard transport corridors. The association emphasized the urgent need to protect drivers and ensure the smooth flow of trade amid escalating threats.
