Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) top management held high-level talks with a delegation from China’s Nanjing Port aimed at strengthening cooperation in port operations, technology and knowledge exchange as the Authority advances the modernization of the Port of Mombasa.
KPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Capt. William Ruto led discussions with the visiting delegation from Nanjing Port, the world’s largest inland port, under the Sister Port Cooperation Initiative.
The meeting focused on potential collaboration in port automation, digital transformation, smart gate systems, cargo visibility, paperless processes, data analytics and the application of advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
Capt. Ruto reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to fostering strategic international collaborations that support sustainable port development and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.
“We deliberated on areas of possible collaboration, improvement and knowledge exchange by leveraging technology to further position our port as the region’s leading maritime trade hub,” said Ruto.
Ruto has commended the strong partnerships between Kenya and China noting the latter’s critical contribution to the expansion and modernization development at the Port of Mombasa.
The KPA CEO said the port of Mombasa serves a vast hinterland of over 250 million people, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
He said the port comprises Kilindini Harbour, Port Reitz, the Old Port, Port Tudor and the whole of the tidal waters encircling Mombasa Island and has a capacity of 2.65 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs).
Capt. Ruto said as part of the smart port transformation agenda, KPA is in the early phase of replacing its legacy SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system with IFS Cloud, a next-generation enterprise platform expected to enhance operational efficiency, integrate business processes and support the Authority’s broader digital transformation strategy.
He said the modernization initiative also includes digital automation of workflows, electronic document management, integrated billing, real-time reporting and improved data-driven decision-making across the Authority.
The Nanjing Port delegation was led by General Manager Zhang Chuanping and included senior port officials Nan Zhenjiang, Wang Xueqing and Pan Lei.
General Manager Chuanping said Nanjing Port entered into a partnership with KPA to improve trade, traffic and services between the respective ports.
He commended the remarkable progress achieved at the Port of Mombasa and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the port’s operations and its growing role as a key gateway to the East and Central African region.
The delegation toured key infrastructure projects at the Port of Mombasa, gaining first-hand insight into KPA’s strategic investments to expand capacity, enhance efficiency and support regional trade and economic growth.
Senior KPA officials, including General Manager Cargo Operations Dr. Sudi Mwasinago, General Manager Internal Audit and Risk Management Dr. Fred Oyugi, General Manager Corporate Research, Planning and Compliance Evelyne Chibule, and Harbour Master and General Manager Marine Operations Capt. Patrick Ondenyi briefed the visitors on the Authority’s operational performance, modernization initiatives, investment opportunities and long-term growth strategy.
Nanjing Port is recognized for its high cargo handling capacity and expertise in the manufacture of modern port equipment, including multipurpose cargo handling systems.
Ruto said its experience in smart port technologies presents opportunities for collaboration with KPA as the Authority continues to transform the Port of Mombasa into a more efficient, technology-driven gateway for regional and international trade.
Meanwhile, a total of 48 cargo vessels are expected to call at the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu over the next 14 days, according to the latest KPA vessel schedule.
The Port of Mombasa is set to handle 43 vessels, comprising 24 container ships, 10 conventional cargo vessels, seven car carriers, and two oil tankers.
While the Port of Lamu is expected to receive five container vessels and two car carriers during the same period.
By Hussein Abdullahi
