K e n ya P o r t s au t h o ri t y
Sweeping changes improve port authority’s efficiency T
he nature and working methods of Kenya’s main port and the authority that controls it are changing at a fast rate. The modernisation and expansion of the Port of Mombasa is being matched by a similar change in the administration and management structure of the Kenya Ports Authority. In addition to the Port of Mombasa, the KPA is the authority for several minor ports including the soon-to-be-developed Lamu.
private sector Until now the KPA has provided the infrastructure, facilities and stevedoring for all port operations. Several of Mombasa’s facilities are already managed and operated by private-sector partners and it is expected that more will follow suit in the years to come, including the second container terminal now under construction. There is a long way to go before Mombasa is fully transformed into a landlord port, but this objective is part of the government’s restructuring policy, as outlined in the Integrated National Transport Policy and the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (2003-2007). However, the current focus for the government and the port is to improve efficiency and reduce delays in cargo transport. After coming to power in 2013, the government took immediate steps to reform the port and cut unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape, largely in response to calls from its hinterland neighbours to improve transit times.
n Digitisation of clearance processes and a modernised system for weighing cargo n Key government agencies involved in port operations to be co-ordinated by the KPA, with the managing director being given direct control n Immediate disciplinary procedures against those who do not adhere to the rules n Commissioner of Customs to relocate to the Port of Mombasa to ensure fast on-site cargo clearance instead of referring to Nairobi n Clearing and forwarding companies within the port to be relocated away from the port to ease congestion n Clearing and forwarding companies and commercial banks involved in clearing must operate on a 24/7 basis n Construction of a dual carriageway from Changamwe to Jomvu to be given priority
These directives included:
n Removing all police road blocks and replacing them with enhanced highway security patrols
n Implementation of the National Single Window to be given priority
n Trucks are now weighed only once at entry and exit points.
KENYA PORTS AUTHORITY Handbook 2012-13
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