Kenya welcomed a high-level Japanese parliamentary delegation who visited the Port of Mombasa to witness firsthand transformative results Japan’s enduring partnership with Kenya Ports Authority.
Kenya Ports Authority also shared the glimpses from the meeting, and the Councillor Akiko Ikuina led the delegation.
For decades, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been a cornerstone development partner for the Kenya Ports Authority. They have built a strategic partnership that transformed into tangible, infrastructure and is reshaping the Port of Mombasa.
During the tour of delegations, Manager for Corporate Planning and Strategy of Kenya Ports Authority – Mohamed Golicha highlighted the flagship projects that were actualised through JICA-KPA partnership.
Among these projects is the Mombasa Port Development Project that observed construction of a new container terminal at the port. The projects were implemented in different phases as the construction of berth 23 and 24 is set to commence soon and will mark the third phase of the project.
Reportedly, these new berths are critical for expanding cargo handling capacity in Mombasa as cargo volumes up steady rise.
Manager Golicha detailed out the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone project that aims to transform Kenya into a manufacturing hub. Dongo Kundu is supported by expertise and financing of JICA that will see the development of industrial parks and free trade zones among others with KPA developing a berth to facilitate trade.
Earlier, KPA also met the high commisioner of India to Kenya – Adarsh Swaika and expressed interest of his country in channeling investments into Kenya with a focus on the shipping and maritime sector.
The envoy further highlighted the vast opportunities that were presented by the modernisation and expansion of programs that were spearheaded by Kenya Ports Authority when he visited the Port of Mombasa.
High Commissioner Swaika singled out the development of Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone as a prime project for potential Indian investment.
These sentiments were welcomed by KPA with Manager of Corporate Planning and Strategy – Mohamed Golicha and noted that the Authority is actively pursuing partnerships to achieve its infrastructure development agenda.
On the behalf of Managing Director of KPA – Capt. William Ruto, Golicha stated that KPA is open to collaborations through Public Private Partnerships. He said that this aligns with the ambitious drive of the authority to enhance the capacity and efficiency.
Among the key projects that KPA is implementing is the expansion of the Port of Mombasa that includes rehabilitation of existing berths and construction of new ones such as Berths 19B, 23 and 24. It also considers the equipment modernisation as well as the upgrading of terminal operating system to streamline logistics and cargo handling among others.