Kenya: Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs – Hassan Ali Joho has re-affirmed the commitment of the government to promote the collaboration among various stakeholders to streamline the efficiency of the Mombasa Port and the Northern Transport Corridor.
Reportedly, a meeting was held with the Steering Committee of the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter (MPNCCC), which was led by the Chairperson – Agayo Ogambi, CS Joho, and was joined by the Principal Secretary of Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs – Geoffrey Kaituko.
The officials appreciated the significant strides made under the Charter framework, which have significantly contributed towards the efficiency of the port and northern corridor.
According to the Chair of the Charter, the improvements noted includes the increased cargo throughput, a reduction in average cargo that dwell time at the port, a reduction in system downtime and enhanced berth productivity among others.
However, the MPNCCC will mark its 10th anniversary this year, in 2024. It will be commemorated after the signing of the charter by signatories in an elaborate ceremony at the Port of Mombasa in the year 2014.
This collaboration framework by both partner government agencies and the private sector binds the port community to the collective obligations. It also records specific actions, targets and timelines towards the efficiency of the corridor.
The initiative aims to transform the Port of Mombasa and the Northern Corridor into an efficient, reliable and globally competitive trade and transport corridor.
Mombasa Port and Northern Community Charter (MPNCCC)
Mombasa Port and Northern Community Charter (MPNCCC) was established in June 2014 in the presence of President Uhuru Kenyatta. It was signed by both public and private sector institutions.
Signing of the Charter represented the culmination of extensive consultations among port stakeholders. This yielded a framework to achieve seamless transport along the Mombasa Port Corridor.
Charter milestones are actually doing paperless trading through Kenya National Single Window System, that links more than 45 government agencies with over 10,000 registered users, comprised of expanded port, rail and road infrastructure and expanded oil storage tanks.
In many cases, the Charter is used as an important tool to articulate issues to improve operations and efficiencies.