On Photo; from right is Hon Fred Ikana Mp Shinyalu issuing a sporting gear award to a member of Vet Sport Club during the Kenya Ports Authority Gala Dinner.
By Erick Wanjala
Following the growth of Kenya Ports Authority PLC in cargo volumes across the East African region the Authority gave a chance to its customers to give feedback and opinions on how to foster lasting relations through a stakeholder gala dinner at Nairobi.
Speaking during the KPA Corporate Golf Tournament and Stakeholders Dinner held at VetLab Sports Club in Nairobi over the weekend, KPA Chief Executive Officer Capt. William K. Ruto said the Authority was undertaking major expansion projects to position Kenya's ports for future trade growth and regional integration.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the General Manager Corporate Services Mr Edward Kamau, the Chief Executive Officer said the strong performance of the Port of Mombasa and other facilities reflected growing confidence among shipping lines, importers, exporters and transit cargo customers.
“The Port of Mombasa continues to experience increased vessel traffic, growing cargo volumes and rising container throughput,” he said.
Present at the event was Hon Fred Ikana Member of Parliament representing Shinyalu constituency and who is also a member of Vet sport Club ,he commended the leadership by Captain William Ruto and team and stated that the CSR activities by the authority are among the steering strategies that shape the achievements by KPA.
"May commend Captn William Ruto CEO Kenya ports Authority for the records we have seen today ,thank for the community incentives you give back like in my constituency KPA did a tournament that is still lingers fresh to my constituents."Narrated Hon Fred Ikana.
However GM Edward attributed the growth to sustained investments in port infrastructure, modern cargo-handling equipment, technology and process improvements aimed at increasing productivity, reducing vessel turnaround times and accelerating cargo movement.
He highlighted some of the key projects currently underway including the construction of Dongo Kundu Berth One (DK1), which is expected to support industrial development within the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone and stimulate new trade and investment opportunities along the Coast.
The Authority is also constructing Berth 19B, a project that will increase annual container-handling capacity by approximately 300,000 TEUs and enhance the Port of Mombasa's ability to accommodate future cargo growth.
In addition to physical infrastructure, KPA PLC is also accelerating its digital transformation programme through the implementation of a modern Terminal Operating System (TOS) and a Smart Gate System.
According to Capt. Ruto, the technologies will improve cargo visibility, operational efficiency, security and customer experience.
The CEO reaffirmed the strategic role of the Port of Mombasa as a gateway serving Kenya and regional markets including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Tanzania.
“As trade volumes continue to grow across the region, our focus remains on providing reliable, efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions that support economic development and regional integration,” he added.
The CEO equally noted the growing significance of the Port of Lamu, describing it as a key pillar of Kenya's maritime future. He added that due to the port's deep-water capabilities and strategic location it was attracting increasing interest from investors and shipping lines.
Together with the LAPSSET Corridor Programme, the Port of Lamu is expected to boost regional connectivity and create new trade corridors linking Kenya with Ethiopia, South Sudan and other emerging markets.
Beyond its commercial operations, KPA reiterated its commitment to sustainable development through its Green Port agenda. The Authority is investing in environmental conservation initiatives, including mangrove restoration, energy-efficiency programmes, waste management and participation in national tree-growing campaigns.
KPA used the golf tournament to advance its corporate social investment activities. As part of the event, KPA donated essential commodities worth KSh500,000 to the Nairobi Children's Rescue Centre.
Capt. Ruto said stakeholder engagement remained a key component of KPA's business strategy, noting that the Authority's nationwide golf circuit had become an important platform for strengthening relationships with customers, partners and investors.
“Supporting golf is not simply about sponsoring a sporting event; it is about strengthening relationships with the people and organisations that contribute to the growth of trade, logistics and the wider economy,” he said.
Erick kirimi handicap 23 with a score of 47 points was declared the overall winner.
The annual tournament brought together corporate leaders, golfers and industry stakeholders, providing a platform for networking and discussions on opportunities within Kenya's maritime, logistics and transport sectors.
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