Players gear up for brisk business in port revamp plan

Stakeholders at the port of Mombasa are upbeat following plans by the government to build new ports and upgrade existing ones as it seeks to capitalise on the blue economy for development.

Speaking to the Nation, the players said the plans to build and renovate 11 ports, confirmed by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) managing director Daniel Manduku, will reduce congestion.

Car Importers Association of Kenya chairman Peter Otieno said the ports, mainly at the Coast, will help KPA get rid of small ships that have been causing jams. “At the moment, a lot of cargo has been piled up at the port and the influx of small vessels is not making things any better. Therefore, once the other ports are constructed, the small ships can be directed there to speed up loading and offloading of cargo,” said Mr Otieno.

ON COURSE

He added: “Establishment of these ports will definitely mean more jobs both for entrepreneurs and youth. It is a bold move,” said Mr Otieno.

Dock Workers Union Secretary-General Simon Sang said the revamp plan will be a great milestone and in line with the international standards of trade, shipping and logistics. “It is a bold move by KPA and we support it. If these ports are located in several places, it will make trade easier,” said Mr Sang.

Mr Daniel Ndege, an assistant manager in charge of exports and imports at Apex Steel Company in Mombasa, also welcomed the move.

Dr Manduku yesterday said the plan is on course. “It's on course, but we will give more details later,” he said in a telephone interview.

POTENTIAL SITES

Yesterday, the Business Daily reported that KPA has contracted a Rotterdam based company to plan for the project. Maritime and Transport Business Solutions (MTBS) has been assigned the consultancy services.

KPA announced on its website that MTBS will carry out the project together with Runji and Partners from Nairobi.

The firm is to develop a master plan that will facilitate the development of the ports "taking due cognisance of the long term development framework as outlined under Vision 2030. This report contains port development plans for eight out of the 11 assessed potential port sites”.

“KPA is responsible for the port of Mombasa and today’s small coastal ports such as Funzi, Shimoni and Vanga located in the south Coast and Mtwapa, Kilifi, Malindi, Lamu and Kiunga further north,” read part of the announcement.

HINTERLAND

KPA said apart from the ports, an assessment has also been made regarding other potential sites along the Coast. The additional ports are Takaungu and Ngomeni.

In Lamu, a second commercial port is being developed at Manda Bay to tap into the South Sudan and Ethiopia markets under the Lapsset. It shall consist of a total of 32 berths.

Also in the upgrade plan is Shimoni Port in Kwale. It is rather small and has limited connectivity to the hinterland. KPA is working with the county government of Kwale to develop Shimoni into a fishing and tourist port.

BUILD OFFICES

Malindi Port is currently used as a landing site mainly to serve local fishermen. KPA is planning to develop the pier to enable proper fish and tourists landing port

KPA intends to acquire 2,500 square metres of land for port development. They will build offices, a fish cold store and ice making facilities, boat repair facilities, fuel shop and tourist offices.

In Kiunga, KPA has assessed two sites with a partial development plan indicating 20 acres in the north.

Also in the plans are regional ports including Mombasa, Kisumu, Lamu (greenfield), Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Bujumbura, Juba, Kigoma and Bukasa (greenfield).