Mombasa Port stakeholders have lauded the national
government’s decision to inject Sh41 billion into the expansion of the Port of
Mombasa.
They said the move will boost efficiency, competitiveness,
and create more jobs.
Two weeks ago, President William Ruto announced the
expansion plan, citing the port’s rapid growth in cargo volumes.
He noted that in the past three years, the Kenya Ports
Authority (KPA) had increased its handling capacity from 1.4 million to 2
million containers, underscoring the need for further expansion.
“I will be back here before the end of the year to start the
expansion of the Mombasa Port. The Government of Kenya has committed another
Sh41 billion to make the port more efficient, bigger, and better for all
users,” President Ruto said.
The President also revealed that the Sh65 billion Dongo
Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will be launched before the end of the year.
The SEZ will host manufacturing, logistics, and industrial
facilities, creating thousands of jobs for coastal residents.
On Tuesday, a section of port stakeholders, including the
Cardinal Youth Association and several small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs), welcomed both the port expansion and the Dongo Kundu SEZ.
Capital Youth Caucus Secretary General Evans Momanyi praised
the current KPA leadership under Managing Director Captain William Ruto and
Chairman Benjamin Tayari for delivering historic milestones in line with
constitutional and policy frameworks.
“The recent directive by President William Ruto allocating
Sh41 billion to KPA for expansion is a clear vote of confidence in the
authority’s leadership and strategic importance,” said Momany.
He further highlighted the operationalization of Shimoni
Port and the progress on Dongo Kundu as steps toward inclusive growth.
He also commended KPA for fairly compensating over 1,900
squatters in Dongo Kundu.
He also praised the KPA for doing business with more than
6,000 companies owned by women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Momanyi warned against attempts by “a few self-seeking
individuals” to drag KPA employees and stakeholders into narrow political
battles.
“We call upon all stakeholders, employees, and the wider
community to desist from unnecessary drama and instead rally behind KPA
management as they continue to transform Kenya’s ports for the benefit of
present and future generations,” he said.
