Jomvu MP Badi Twalib has welcomed the reappointment of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto for a three-year term amid calls by some leaders for the appointment of a local to the lucrative post.
The MD was first appointed on 10 March 2023 after a competitive recruitment process for a renewable three-year term. His first term ended on 10 March 2026.
Speaking during the unveiling of two classrooms at Miritini Senior School in Jomvu Constituency, constructed by KPA through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, the legislator said the MD had steered the Authority to greater heights, as reflected in the performance of the ports of Mombasa and Lamu.
The assiduous MD, who rose through the ranks at KPA, is credited with improving the performance of the Port of Mombasa. The Port of Mombasa closed 2025 on a high note, posting impressive gains in cargo traffic and surpassing the previous year’s performance.
It recorded a historic 45.45 million metric tonnes of cargo throughput in 2025, up from 40.99 million tonnes in 2024, underscoring steady growth and setting the stage for further expansion in 2026.
The surge signals robust regional trade growth and highlights the need for expanded capacity to meet rising import and export volumes.
KPA attributed the strong performance to sustained reforms that promote trade, ongoing infrastructure upgrades, modernisation efforts, digitalisation of procedures, and continued support from the national government.
“Capt. Ruto has done tremendous work, and now there are plans to expand the berths. It is through his strategic, hard-working and efficient leadership that he has earned a second term. Previously, there was congestion at the port, but today cargo can be transported through rail and other modes, and our ports are prospering,” stated Twalib.
He also lauded the MD for operationalising the Port of Lamu, which had remained dormant but now attracts major shipping lines, cementing its position as a transhipment hub. The MP further noted that during Ruto’s tenure, the Shimoni Fishing Port was built.
“The port has been in existence since Kenya attained independence, yet Jomvu has not benefited from it in any meaningful way,” he stated, while praising KPA for rolling out impactful CSI projects in the constituency under the leadership of Capt. Ruto.
Capt. Ruto said they are seeking investors to take part in the expansion of the ports in order to generate employment opportunities for Kenyans, especially locals in areas where the ports are located.
“If we manage to attract many investors and expand the port, more jobs will be created. It is not only about permanent and pensionable jobs but also business opportunities because between 4,000 and 5,000 trailers enter our port every day,” stated the MD.
“When they leave the port, they pass through Miritini and other areas on their way to Uganda and Nairobi, boosting business along the corridor,” he added.
The MD also promised to promote the training of more youth so they are prepared for job opportunities that will be created by the upcoming Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone.
On Saturday, Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi lamented that despite hosting major parastatals such as KPA, Mombasa lacks adequate representation on their boards of directors.
He also cited the Kenya Maritime Authority, saying that despite its Cabinet Secretary hailing from Mombasa, the Authority similarly lacks local representation on its board.
“Is that fair? All these parastatals are based here, yet there is no one from Mombasa. This is the time to speak out; this is the time to be heard; this is the time to raise your voice; and this is the time to be counted as a man or woman in politics. If you fear, why did you join politics?” said the visibly agitated legislator.
By Sadik Hassan
