Kenya: The Government has rewarded Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) board and staff for their exemplary performance after they attained a “Very Good” rating in the 2023-2024 Performance Contracting cycle.
Cabinet Secretary of Roads and Transport – Davis Chirchir announced at the ICD Nairobi, during the 20th performance contracting cycle for the Financial Year 2023-2024, that KPA has achieved an overall rating of Very Good, with a composite score of 2.9697 points.
Chirchir added that President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces – Dr. William Ruto directed the KPA Board and staff to be rewarded in recognition of their measurable achievements in line with the performance contracting framework.
The CS congratulated the KPA Board, Management and Staff for their exceptional performance and dedication towards duty and said that the achievement had earned the Authority national recognition. He further commended KPA for the continued increasing cargo volumes at the Port of Mombasa and the second commercial Port of Lamu.
According to CS Chirchir, these achievements are not accidental; they reflect the disciplined execution, teamwork and commitment to service excellence demonstrated by the KPA Board and staff.
He noted that the achievement was particularly commendable, as the challenges that they have faced at the global maritime sector, including disruptions arising from the Red Sea crisis and tensions in the Middle East that affected international trade and shipping networks.
He praised the KPA workforce for remaining focused and competitive, while enabling the ports of Mombasa and Lamu to register increased cargo volumes and maintain their strategic role in supporting regional trade and economic growth.
Chirchir further urged employees to sustain the momentum and continue working hard to meet and surpass performance targets while positioning the Port of Mombasa as a globally competitive maritime gateway. He emphasised the need for continued investments in infrastructure modernisation, digitalisation of port operations and acquisition of modern cargo handling equipment to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Moreover, the CS Chirchir praised the Kenya Ports Authority for achieving two internationally recognised management standards: ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and safe port operations.
The Cabinet Secretary encouraged staff to remain committed for providing quality services to customers and stakeholders. They also noted that operational excellence is critical in strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading maritime and logistics hub in East and Central Africa.
Following the announcement by the CS, the KPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Capt. William Ruto expressed gratitude to the government for providing a conducive environment for business and the Board and staff for their commitment to efficiency and service delivery. He outlined several initiatives that aim at streamlining port operations including modernisation programmes, digitalisation coupled with customer-focused services in facilitating trade.