- Kenya Ports Authority rolled out the UNCTAD TrainForTrade Modern Port Management Programme in Kilifi County on October 12
- KPA CEO Captain William Ruto said eight senior managers had already completed training, with 38 more participants set to benefit from the programme
- The launch coincided with KPA revealing that Berth 19B is 56% complete and will add 300,000 TEUs of handling capacity at the Port of Mombasa
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Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has officially launched a specialised port management training programme aimed at improving operational efficiency, growing regional trade, and expanding job opportunities for young Kenyans at the Coast.
Source: Twitter
The programme, delivered through the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) TrainForTrade Modern Port Management initiative, was rolled out on Monday, October 12, in Kilifi County, where KPA leadership joined UNCTAD officials and government representatives to mark the occasion.
KPA CEO Calls Skills Development a Strategic Priority
KPA plc Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto said equipping staff with practical skills was central to keeping Kenya competitive as a regional logistics hub.
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"To remain competitive, ports must invest in skills and practical training development. As KPA, we are committed to investing in skills development for our employees to boost productivity," Captain Ruto said.
He disclosed that eight senior managers had already completed the training, with a further 38 participants scheduled to go through the programme as the authority aligns its operations with international best practices.
"For KPA, this programme is not simply an academic exercise. It is a practical investment designed to strengthen performance across our ports and logistics operations," he added.
UNCTAD Chief TrainForTrade trainer Mark Assaf said the initiative could unlock significant economic potential across Kenya and the wider continent.
"Kenya and Africa at large have immense untapped potential in the blue economy. What will make the difference is not just infrastructure, but the people who manage it. Through TrainForTrade, we want to equip port professionals with the practical tools to make ports more efficient, greener and more inclusive and Kenya is well positioned to lead that transformation in the region," Assaf said.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Transport Mohamed Daghar, represented at the event by Ministry of Transport Director Pius Kaura, stressed that the scope of modern port management had broadened considerably.
Port of Mombasa Expansion Gathers Pace
Alongside the training push, Captain Ruto provided updates on ongoing infrastructure works at the Port of Mombasa.
Construction of Berth 19B has reached 56% completion and will deliver an additional 300,000 TEUs of handling capacity once finished, an expansion that is expected to create more job opportunities.
He added that the port component of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone stands at 23% completion, while related road infrastructure has reached 58%, offering relief to communities affected by congestion around the port.
With the Christmas peak season approaching, KPA said it is mobilising additional staff and machinery to handle a projected surge in cargo volumes.
The authority is also finalising smart gate technology designed to automate truck processing, with a potential launch within two to three weeks.
Source: TUKO.co.ke