As East Africa’s shipping sector continues to grow, Kenya Ports Authority is drawing on global expertise to strengthen its local capacity and enhance competitiveness.
KPA is leveraging its partnership with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, a global professional body for the commercial shipping Industry.
The Institute’s International Chairman, Krishnan Subramaniam, met KPA Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto at the Port of Mombasa to discuss the Blue Economy’s vast potential, a promising sector that is still emerging in Kenya.
The two leaders explored ways to support the development of Kenya’s maritime sector, with particular emphasis on professional training and capacity building.
The partnership focuses on raising professional standards through joint training programmes that will upskill port workers and other maritime stakeholders. It also aims to increase local capacity and create meaningful career opportunities for young Kenyans, who are increasingly demonstrating interest in the industry.
Speaking during the meeting, Capt. Ruto said the government was laying the groundwork for the sector’s expansion through increased investment in shipbuilding, ship repair and container construction.
He said such investments were key to unlocking the potential of the Blue Economy and strengthening Kenya’s position in the regional maritime industry.
Subramaniam commended KPA for its commitment to developing the maritime sector, saying the Authority had played a significant role in promoting professionalism and industry growth.
ICS Regional Chair Elijah Mbaru hailed the Authority’s support as instrumental in building a skilled, professional workforce ready to compete on the global stage.
The engagement underscores the growing importance of partnerships between local institutions and international industry bodies as Kenya seeks to unlock opportunities within the Blue Economy and strengthen its maritime workforce.
Meanwhile, the Ugandan National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Trade Affairs have pledged to support efforts to eliminate trade barriers to fully unlock the trade potential between Uganda and Kenya.
The Committee visited the Port of Mombasa as part of a mandate to understand better the intricacies of trade at the East Africa’s busiest port which also happens to be the main trade gateway for the neighbouring country.
Ruto, noted a few challenges, including non-tariff barriers affecting customers, exporters, and importers along the Northern Corridor.
Capt. Ruto emphasised that non-tariff barriers impose significant costs on traders and urged the legislators to address them.
The CEO also outlined ongoing Authority-led initiatives to improve efficiency at the Port of Mombasa particularly citing automation, which he said will be instrumental in streamlining operations between the various key agencies including the Uganda Revenue Authority.
The Chair of the Committee Okot Boniface appreciated KPA for the impressive progress singling out the integration of systems which he said will increase transparency.
