•Gilbert Langat who was the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA) chief executive for 14 years, since 2009, passed on December 28.
•Langat was also the chairman of the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter.
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When this writer had a telephone interview with Gilbert Langat last month, on the state of East Africa’s shipping and logistics industry, he was full of life and optimistic of a better 2024.
Langat who was the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA) chief executive for 14 years, since 2009, would however not live to see a new year, as he passed on December 28 at his Kericho home after a long illness.
Our last conversation was on the possible impact of the attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on foreign ships in the Red Sea, which forced shipping lines to re-reroute.
“Major impact will be longer vessel times and effect for our transshipment ports in Asia and the Middle East that service majorly our Eastern Africa ports. Freight and time increase may occur,” the late Langat had told the Star.
For Agayo Ogambi, head of policy and advocacy at the SCEA, going to work has been a joy for the last 13 years, as he recalls the enthralling and memorable moments he had with Langat as his boss.
“We never had dull moments. Solving members' challenges, meeting trade facilitation service providers, and meeting government officials was fulfilling in your presence,” Ogambi eulogised Langat in a written statement seen by the Star yesterday.
He is among individuals, firms, agencies and associations that are mourning the late Langat, who was an expert in the shipping amid the logistics industry.
In his tribute, SCEA vice chairman John Msafari described GL, as he was commonly referred to, as always having been a step ahead of the industry – a visionary leader.
“He was highly knowledgeable and a depository of data and information, which he used to advocate and convince the authorities and inform decisions. Perhaps unknown to you… word has it that if you got any government appointment in the area of trade facilitation, transport, and or infrastructure, your first brief was to get hold of Gilbert,” Msafari noted.
Langat, who was also the chairman of the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter, is remembered for playing a critical role in pushing for regional integration, with his contribution helping make the Port of Mombasa a leading harbour in the region.
The Northern Transport Corridor is the main route that connects the Port of Mombasa to neighbouring landlocked countries mainly Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo and South Sudan, It is considered the most efficient compared to the Central Corridor, which runs between Dar es Salaam and the hinterland.
“Gilbert was a true ambassador of the Port of Mombasa and the Northern Corridor. He acknowledged that our development was hinged upon the efficiency and competitiveness of the port and the corridor, and it pained him when stakeholders did not take responsibility for their failures and omissions,” Msafari recalls.
Besides being the Chair of the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter, GL was a board member of the National Standards Council (NSC) and chair of the technical, trade and permits approval committee of the board of Kenya Bureau of Standard (Kebs).
He served as a director of Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), member of the executive committee and board of Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), board of governors – Railways Training Institute, and lately, advisor to Mombasa governor (Abdulswamad Nassir), on port affairs
National Standards Council (NSC) chairman Peter Munyiri described the late Langat as having been “a pillar and a dedicated member of the National Standards Council”, the governance organ of Kebs.
“As we reflect on Mr. Langat’s legacy, we are reminded of his mentorship, his advocacy for professionalism, integrity, and his passion for public service. His contributions set a benchmark for future leadership in Kenya’s trade and standards sectors,” Munyiri said.
Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner, Customs and Border Control, Lilian Nyawanda, said under his leadership at the Council, Langat helped to foster collaborations that have been key in improving trade facilitation.
“Mr Langat was a phenomenal leader who exhibited brilliance and dedication to create a lasting impact. He was highly resourceful and a man of integrity. In his honour, I encourage the Council to keep upholding its vision of innovation and continuous improvement,” Nyawanda said in her message of condolence.
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) chief executive Carole Kariuki has described the late Langat as one who was “truly an outstanding individual and inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to have had an encounter with him.”
“He will be remembered for his contribution to the industry’s milestone achievements including the improved legal and regulatory environment, harmonisation of East African Community (EAC) transport and trade policies and procedures, adoption of best practices by shippers and regulatory authorities; and Adoption of ICT in transport and logistics systems,” Kariuki said.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturing said Langat will be remembered for his “unwavering determination and charismatic leadership in advocating for and transforming the logistics and transport sector.”
Kenya Transporters Association chairman Newton Wang’oo wrote: "Langat’s contributions were invaluable and his dedication to the transport and maritime industry will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working with him.”
He was awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the 2021 East African Maritime Awards.
Others who have mourned the late Langat include Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, among other leaders and institutions.
He will be laid to rest on Friday at his Cheplelachbei, Lessos, Nandi county home.
“His business acumen saw him steer the Shippers Council to new heights, contributing a great deal to the growth of trade in the region,” CS Murkomen said.