Kenya Ports Authority

In a bid to enhance regional trade and the efficiency of the port of Mombasa and northern transport corridor the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today held an engagement workshop with cargo interveners and other stakeholders in the public sector.

During the workshop, the team sought to identify logistical challenges and strengthen collaboration as the partner agency steps up support for infrastructure projects at the port and along the corridor.

JICA further acknowledged that the Port of Mombasa serves not only as Kenya's principal gateway for imports and exports but also as a critical transit hub for neighbouring landlocked countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

Kenya Ports Authority highlighted ongoing initiatives some being implemented in collaboration with JICA including port modernization and infrastructure projects, e-mobility, greening initiatives among others designed to enhance efficiency at port facilities.

Through various development projects, JICA has continued to support the Port of Mombasa in facilitating regional trade, improving logistics efficiency, and contributing to socio-economic development across East and Central Africa.

The workshop brought together participants from JICA Headquarters, JICA South Africa, JICA Ghana, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, AUDA-NEPAD, the African Union Commission (AUC), the East African Community (EAC), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), and the Kenya Ports Authority.

Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority
Kenya Revenue Authority

Celebrating 63 years of strength, resilience, and unity of our great nation!!

Happy Madaraka Day.

Education took centre stage this week as the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) stretched its footprint beyond the coastline to transform communities in Tharaka Nithi County through supporting critical school infrastructure.

Chief Executive Officer Capt. William Ruto led a delegation to commission projects at Matakiri Mixed Day Secondary School and Kathawana Secondary School, both beneficiaries of the Authority’s school infrastructure programme.

The initiative forms part of KPA’s broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) agenda , which continues to create meaningful impact across the country.

In vibrant ceremonies attended by education officials, teachers, parents and students, KPA handed over a modern girls’ dormitory at Matakiri Mixed Day Secondary School and a fully equipped science laboratory at Kathawana Secondary School, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve learning condition in institutions.

At Matakiri Mixed Day Secondary School, more than 60 girls are set to benefit from the new dormitory, which replaces previously congested sleeping arrangements that at times accommodated over 90 learners.

Speaking during the handover ceremonies, Capt. Ruto reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to supporting education nationwide.

“Today’s handover of this dormitory is a testament to our commitment to creating a safe and conducive learning environment, especially for girls to learn and grow. We trust that this facility will help improve academic outcomes and enable students to reach their full potential. Investing in education is investing in the future of our country,” he said.

Capt. Ruto further noted that the Authority’s Corporate Social Investment initiatives go beyond infrastructure, reflecting a broader commitment to uplifting communities and expanding opportunities for young people across Kenya.

Accompanying the CEO was KPA board member Mr Daniel Mugao, among other dignitaries, who graced the occasion.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has pledged to deepen its collaboration with the Kenya Ports Authority in renewed efforts to enhance efficiency at the Port of Mombasa.

The commitment was made by Mr Rashid Mohamed, KAM Board member and Chairman of the Infrastructure Committee, during a visit to the Port of Mombasa, where they held talks with KPA leadership.

The meeting, chaired by KPA General Manager Finance and Commercial Services Mr Geoffrey Kavate, who represented the Chief Executive Officer Capt. William Ruto, centred on the ongoing port infrastructure expansion, operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder relations.

Mr Kavate underscored that the Authority would continue engaging industry players and addressing their concerns.

“The Authority will continue to respond to stakeholder needs with bold and practical interventions. KAM plays a central role in driving Kenya’s economy, and the port relies on goods handled and processed by its members for both local consumption and export,” he said.

He added that KPA remains committed to maintaining a strong partnership with manufacturers, noting that increased cargo volumes at the port are closely linked to the performance of the manufacturing sector.

On his part, Mr Rashid, leading the delegation, commended ongoing infrastructure improvements at the port, calling for sustained collaboration to address logistical bottlenecks affecting supply chains.

“Manufacturers depend heavily on seamless port operations, from cargo handling to clearance timelines. The strides made by KPA are encouraging, and we are ready to work together to ensure these gains translate into lower costs and improved competitiveness,” he said.

He said manufacturing remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, contributing to employment and gross domestic product while supporting regional trade.

The Board member further added that the sector’s performance is closely tied to the efficiency of logistics corridors, particularly the Port of Mombasa, which handles millions of tonnes of cargo annually and serves several land-linked countries.

Founded in 1959, Kenya Association of Manufacturers is umbrella body representing Kenya’s manufacturing sector, bringing together large industries and small and medium enterprises across various subsectors.

Those present included Manager Container Operations, Mr. Peter Masinde; Manager Marketing and Customer Experience Ms Miriam Mwakundia; Manager convention Cargo, Mr. Kipkemboi Tanui , Manager VTS, Capt. Habib Mahamoud and Coast region KAM Chairman Abdalla Athman, alongside other industry representatives.

The 6th International Avocado Africa Expo has opened in Nairobi this week, bringing together a broad section of industry from smallholder farmers, exporters, government agencies, and private logistics players.

With Kenya leading the continent as Africa’s top avocado producer and exporter, the shared goal of the summit goes beyond enhancing trade but streamlining the fresh produce value chain by identifying and sealing gaps between post harvest and the product reaching the global market.

As the region’s key trade facilitator and logistics partner, Kenya Ports Authority plays a critical role in ensuring fresh produce reaches international markets in perfect condition, even as importing countries enforce strict standards on quality.

At the national level, the Authority also has a responsibility of supporting the government’s efforts to balance trade by increasing export volumes. However, exports still fall below their potential, therefore bridging that gap requires making Kenyan produce more competitive in both price and reliability.

To achieve this, KPA is investing in cold chain logistics and has rolled out several practical initiatives. The Authority has implemented discounted port charges for export cargo to support the agriculture sector giving farmers and exporters a competitive edge in international markets.

A dedicated 'green channel' now gives fresh produce exports priority access for gate entry and handling at port facilities. This helps keep cargo on schedule, ensuring the goods reach their destination while still at peak quality.

Kenya Ports Authority is strengthening infrastructure while encouraging a shift from air to sea freight for fresh produce. At the Port of Mombasa, the Inland Container Depot in Nairobi, and the Naivasha facility, KPA is adding more re**er plugin points. These connections power refrigerated containers, keeping avocados and other perishables cool before loading and helping to reduce spoilage.

Eid ul-Adha Mubarak! Wishing you and your loved ones countless blessings during this special occasion.

Container vessel CMA CGM Adventure marks a historic feat as the first large, gas powered container ship to dock at the Port of Mombasa. CMA CGM Adventure, belonging to a new generation of vessels designed to cut carbon emissions runs primarily on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG.)

Instead of heavy fuel oil, this vessel sails on chilled gas and does not leave behind the usual cloud of exhaust. For the Port of Mombasa, this vessel’s maiden voyage was more than ceremonial, It was symbolic.

During the traditional Kenya Ports Authority reception for first-time vessel calls, KPA Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto described the arrival as part of a larger shift reshaping global maritime trade.

“These vessels are now the norm as the industry goes green and champions sustainability and conservation of the environment,” said Capt. Ruto, noting that more environmentally friendly vessels are expected to call at Mombasa and other regional ports.

Across the world, shipping lines are racing toward lower emissions as regulators tighten climate rules and cargo owners increasingly demand cleaner supply chains. Ports are under equal pressure to evolve from traditional cargo gateways into climate-smart logistics hubs.

Mombasa appears determined not to watch that transition from the sidelines. Even as LNG-powered vessels begin arriving, KPA has been steadily reshaping its own operations through a Green Ports Policy aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of port activities.

Solar installations are expanding across port facilities. Hybrid cargo-handling equipment is gradually replacing fuel-hungry machinery. Shore power technology is being introduced to allow ships switch off engines while docked and plug directly into electricity supplied from land. Mangrove restoration projects along the coast are also underway, turning fragile ecosystems into natural carbon sinks tied directly to maritime sustainability.

According to CMA CGM, the vessel, which was built late 2024, has a length overall of 268 metres, a beam of 43 metres and a 7,378 TEUs, capacity, with advanced green shipping technology that symbolizes CMA CGM Group’s “strong commitment towards sustainable maritime transport and operational excellence.”

To entrench transparency and accountability at port facilities, maritime and shipping stakeholders are participating in an engagement forum to sensitize them on ethics and integrity.

The exercise is coordinated by Kenya Ports Authority, with discussions centred on corruption risks, unethical practices, national values, and enforcement of accountability frameworks, including the Access to Information Act of 2016 in compliance with the constitutional mandate as outlined in the law.

In his opening remarks, KPA Chief Executive Officer Capt. William Ruto, represented by General Manager of Internal Audit and Risk Assurance Dr. Fred Oyugi, warned that integrity lapses threaten both operational efficiency and the Port of Mombasa’s reputation as a trusted regional hub.

“Integrity is not optional; it is central to our competitiveness and trust as a gateway to East and Central Africa,” Capt. Ruto said, noting that when ethical standards are compromised, the ripple effects are felt across businesses, government and citizens.

He revealed that the Authority has invested heavily in structural and operational reforms to curb malpractice, including the establishment of a dedicated Ethics and Integrity Division.

Other anti-corruption measures include expanded staff training programmes aimed at instilling positive ethical behaviour across all levels. The Authority has also enhanced surveillance systems, adopted cashless transactions, and tightened controls at key service points to address ethical breaches.

However, Capt. Ruto cautioned that systemic interventions alone are insufficient without individual commitment to ethical conduct.
“Real change happens when individuals choose to do the right thing, even when no one is watching,” he said.

He further called for enhanced collaboration with oversight and enforcement agencies to sustain compliance and strengthen governance across port operations.

At the close of the sensitization engagement, participants pledged to adhere to established ethical conduct at the port, signalling a collective push to position the Port of Mombasa as a transparent, efficient, and globally competitive logistics hub.

Kenya Ports Authority has launched a comprehensive sign language sensitization and training programme for a select group of staff, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to workplace inclusivity.

The initiative aims to build internal capacity in sign language interpretation, a critical tool for improving service equality.
It specifically targets persons with hearing disabilities and speech impairments, ensuring they receive the same quality of service as any other port user.

This move aligns KPA with clear government regulations. Under Article 10(2) of the Constitution, parastatals are bound by national values including inclusiveness, human dignity, non discrimination and equity. Sign language interpreters help uphold these rights, guaranteeing that the deaf community can access public services without marginalization.

Further, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities requires all government ministries, counties, departments and agencies to have sign language interpreters as a fundamental requirement for service delivery to the deaf community.

This programme is not new for KPA which has always championed inclusivity, but a deliberate effort to increase capacity and guarantee persons with hearing disabilities enhanced service delivery.

The Ports of Mombasa and Lamu are increasingly attracting global shipping lines, driven by improved operational efficiency and sound business strategy that continues to position the facilities as logistics hubs in the region.

Recently a delegation from the United Arabs Emirates based shipping line Global Feeder Shipping , visited the Port of Mombasa for engagements to strengthen bilateral relations with Kenya Ports Authority in the logistics and Maritime sectors.

Kenya Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Capt. William Ruto in the discussions with Executives of the shipping line said that the Authority remains committed to sustained investments in port expansion programs aimed at enhancing competitiveness and positioning the ports as the preferred gateway for global trade.

Vice President for Business Development and Projects at Global Feeder Shipping, Mr. Waqar Ahmed Khan, reiterated his company’s desire to collaborate with KPA in exploring areas of cooperation.
He highlighted the shipping line’s vast connectivity, as a key opportunity area, noting its potential to improve cargo movement efficiency across the regional and international markets .