The Kenya Ports Authority is training senior managers in modern port management practices to improve efficiency, attract international business and strengthen its competitiveness in global maritime industry.
The five-day programme, conducted in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), focuses on operational performance, leadership and the adoption of international best practices.
Speaking during the opening of the TrainForTrade Modern Port Management workshop in Watamu, Kilifi county, KPA chief executive Captain William Ruto said the training would equip managers to respond to changes in global shipping and trade.
He said ports needed to invest continuously in professional development to remain competitive amid shifting trade patterns, supply chain disruptions, technological advances and rising customer expectations.
“To remain effective and competitive, ports must continuously invest in skills development, professional growth and leadership capacity. This is the context within which, as KPA, we are glad to embrace the TrainForTrade Modern Port Management Programme,” he said.
The programme covers international trade and transport, port operations, commercial and financial management, performance measurement, environmental sustainability and human resource development.
It also allows participants to exchange knowledge with professionals from ports across Africa, Asia, Europe and other regions.
Ruto said the training was intended to improve performance across KPA’s port facilities and logistics operations.
“For KPA, this programme is not simply an academic exercise. It is a practical investment designed to strengthen performance across our port facilities and logistics operations,” he said.
Eight senior managers have completed various training modules, while another 38 are expected to undergo the programme.
KPA also plans to have participants share their knowledge with other employees.
Ruto said case studies and dissertations developed during the training would help identify solutions to operational challenges, improve decision-making and enhance customer service.
The initiative comes as the Port of Mombasa records growth in cargo throughput and container traffic, increasing pressure on the authority to handle rising volumes and meet the demands of international shipping lines and other port users.
KPA is also seeking to capitalise on the potential of the Port of Lamu and other facilities to support future logistics, industrial and energy developments.
Ruto said expanding port operations required professionals capable of driving efficiency, innovation and service delivery across the authority’s facilities.
He added that the programme could help Kenya exploit opportunities in the blue economy by drawing lessons from more than 30 countries that had participated in similar training.
“We can only learn from those who have exploited the blue economy. In this country, the blue economy has not been exploited because of a lack of knowledge,” he said.
UNCTAD chief of the Human Resource Development Section Mark Assaf said Kenya had the workforce and infrastructure needed to expand its participation in international maritime trade.
He said continued investment in employees was necessary to keep pace with changes in port operations, particularly the adoption of digital technology.
“I would say you are really in a very good, strong position here in Kenya, with a strong workforce of 6,500 people and all of the capacity to move ahead,” Assaf said.
He urged KPA to use its existing capacity to attract international operators, establish new commercial relationships and explore markets beyond its traditional trading partners.
“KPA should go into the international market. Attract players from all around the world. You can reach all the way to Asia, to Latin America,” he said.
