The Kenya Ports Authority’s “Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection and increased forest cover project” has emerged as the winner of the 2025 International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Awards.
The announcement was made during an awards ceremony at the IAPH World Ports Conference in Kobe, Japan. This comes after a meticulous judging process by IAPH’s independent jury of industry experts and KPA’s well-calculated public vote campaign to galvanise support for the project.
The KPA project topped the Environmental Care category after beating two other finalists from a record-breaking pool of 500 global submissions.
The award recognises KPA’s innovative collaboration with coastal communities to restore degraded forest ecosystems.
Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection impressed the judges after demonstrating how ports’ collaboration with local communities and other government agencies can help empower communities and support the conservation of the environment and marine biodiversity for sustainable port operations.
Under the programme, KPA has collaborated closely with the communities in the coastal region to rehabilitate degraded mangroves.
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones along tropical and subtropical coastlines.
They are vital to coastal ecosystems, acting as a buffer against storms and erosion, supporting rich biodiversity as nurseries for marine life, and combating climate change by storing large amounts of carbon.
Mangroves also filter water, protect coral reefs and seagrass beds, and provide economic benefits like food and livelihoods for coastal communities.
The impact has resulted in expanded mangrove cover and a healthier coastal ecosystem, creating ideal conditions for fish breeding, leading to an increase of lobsters and prawns, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic well-being of the communities.
The initiative forms a key pillar of the ‘Green Ports Policy’, a strategic blueprint adopted by the Authority to advance and implement sustainable port management.
The policy, which is a strategic framework for eco-conscious port operations, aligns Kenya’s maritime sector with international climate commitments, ensuring economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental health.
The green policy is designed to integrate Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles into KPA’s operations, reinforcing Kenya’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The policy also targets the transition to renewable energy sources, modernisation of port infrastructure with green technology, cutting carbon emissions through innovative solutions, and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.
In his acceptance speech after receiving the award, KPA Managing Director (MD) Capt. William Ruto expressed delight saying the accolade was a great honour for KPA.
MD Ruto added that this was a testament to the Authority’s sustainability efforts and a reminder of the immense responsibility KPA carries as the environment’s guardian.
“Our Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection project is far more than just growing mangroves – it is about survival and livelihoods. We have witnessed the immense benefits, which include revived fish stocks and new economic opportunities for our communities, with men and women engaged in sustainable ventures like seaweed and fish farming,’’ he said.
The MD reiterated KPA’s resolve to transform ports into eco-friendly hubs that power the economic growth of East Africa and the entire continent through the implementation of the Green Ports Policy alongside the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The World Ports Sustainability Program run by IAPH enhances and coordinates future sustainability efforts of ports worldwide and fosters international cooperation with partners in the supply chain.
The projects under the programme demonstrate efforts by ports worldwide on best practices of ports applying the UN SDGs and integrating them into their businesses.
The programme runs six key categories in the areas of digitalisation, infrastructure, health, safety and security, community building, climate and energy, and environmental care.
Kenya Ports Authority has once more earned international acclaim, clinching a top prestigious award win under the World Ports Sustainability Program. KPA featured prominently in the headlines in 2019 when its Tunahusika Corporate Social Investment (CSI) project emerged as the winner of IAPH Sustainability in the Community Building category.
By Mohamed Hassan
