PMAESA

Kenya Ports Authority and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development have launched a port management training program that will contribute to the professional development of port workforce and the wider port community in Kenya. The programme provides participants with comprehensive exposure to modern port management practices and equips them with practical skills in international trade and transport, port operations, commercial management, financial management, performance measurement, environmental sustainability, and human resource development. At the launch of the program, dubbed ‘Train for Trade ‘CEO Capt. William K. Ruto noted that the maritime industry continues to evolve rapidly, with port managers operating within an environment characterized by increasing operational complexity, changing trade patterns, supply chain disruptions, technological advancement among other factors. The CEO further added that to remain effective and competitive, ports must continuously invest in skills development, professional growth, and leadership capacity. “This is the context within which as the Kenya Ports Authority we are glad to embrace the ‘TrainForTrade’ Modern Port Management Programme.”, he said. Mr. Pius Muchai who represented the Principal Secretary State Department for Trade Mr. Mohamed Daghar noted that the government through the ministry attaches great importance to capacity-building programmes that strengthen institutional effectiveness and leadership within the transport sector. Mr. Muchai said that the program presents a significant milestone in developing the human capital required to support a modern, efficient, and globally competitive transport and logistics sector. The Chief TrainForTrade, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Mr. Mark Assaf congratulated KPA for joining the program which he said will help the Authority’s staff build on new skills as the shipping and Maritime industry evolves. The program will see port employees trained on eighteen modules on port operations and management, with twenty staff drawn from various divisions currently undergoing the training. Once trained, the officers will be eligible to become trainers and facilitate similar training in various countries where the program runs.

Hyundai Merchant Marine, a Korean shipping line, is set to enter the Kenyan market with the launch of a new service linking the Port of Mombasa to India via the Nhava Sheva port. The service will begin next month and will deploy a weekly vessel with an initial capacity of 2,500 TEUs. It will operate as a consortium involving six slot partners: HMM, PIL, Cosco, ONE, OOCL and Inchcape Shipping. The entry of HMM comes as the Port of Mombasa continues to reinforce its standing as a key maritime gateway for Kenya and the wider East African region. The Kenya Ports Authority has been pursuing an aggressive programme of investment in the expansion and modernization of port infrastructure to meet the demands of facilitating regional and international trade. Managing Director Capt. William Ruto welcomed the new service, saying it affirms the growing profile of the Port of Mombasa as a regional hub. Mr. Jang Wonjun, Senior Vice President and Head of the Container Logistics Management Office at HMM's Korea headquarters, attributed the company's entry into Kenya to the strategic position of the Port of Mombasa as the hub for the region. The team further expressed appreciation to Kenya Ports Authority saying it looks forward to a successful maiden voyage and future HMM services at Mombasa.

South Korea has reaffirmed its support for the Kenya Ports Authority's (KPA) port modernisation programme, strengthening cooperation in technology transfer, infrastructure development and capacity building as the Authority advances its digital transformation agenda. The commitment was made on Tuesday when the Republic of Korea's Ambassador to Kenya, Kang Hyung-shik, paid a courtesy call on KPA Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto to discuss areas of continued collaboration between Kenya and South Korea in the maritime sector. Ambassador Kang said the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries continued to create opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure development, innovation and knowledge exchange. He said South Korea would continue supporting KPA through the sharing of advanced port technologies, digital solutions and best practices in maritime operations. Captain Ruto welcomed the continued partnership, saying KPA has benefited from strong relationships with Korean shipping lines, logistics firms and maritime stakeholders that have facilitated growth in international trade through the Port of Mombasa. He said the Authority would continue strengthening collaboration with leading Korean ports to accelerate digitalisation, improve service delivery and enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Mombasa as the preferred gateway to East and Central Africa. The meeting builds on the growing economic partnership between Kenya and South Korea, following President William Ruto's 2024 State Visit to Seoul, which focused on expanding trade, investment and technology cooperation.