Ruto Starts Handing Powers Back To Port Of Mombasa

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has kicked off President William Ruto's promise to give back to the port of Mombasa the operations of clearing goods.

In a statement issued on Monday, September 26, KPA Managing Director, John Mwangemi told all shipping lines that they are free to choose the place of clearance and mode of transport for their goods.

Further, shipping lines were advised to facilitate importers' nomination of place of clearance including Port clearance, Kenya Revenue Authority's Licensed Container Freight Stations (CFSS) and Kenya Ports Authority's Inland Container depots.

President William Ruto speaking during his inauguration ceremony on September 13, 2022. /FILE

"Kenya Ports Authority wishes to affirm its commitment to implement the directive by His Excellency the President during his inauguration on 13th September 2022 that "clearing of all goods and other attendants operational issues to revert to the Port of Mombasa," KPA stated. 

The notice had also complemented a directive issued on June 6, 2018 that prompted importers to use the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

A public notice issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority and KPA had indicated that all imported cargo for delivery to Nairobi shall be transported by the SGR and cleared at the Inland Container Depot- Nairobi.

In addition, all imported cargo intended for Mombasa and its environs would be cleared at the port of Mombasa. 

"KRA and KPA are committed to the highest standards of providing services to all our customers in accordance to the Port Community Charter," read part of the notice.

President Ruto, during his inaugural speech on Tuesday, September 13, had hinted at orders to give back operations to the port of Mombasa, noting that it was pivotal in growing the country's economy.

"This afternoon, I will be issuing instructions for clearing of all goods and other attendant operational issues to revert to the port of Mombasa. This restored thousands of jobs in the city of Mombasa," he addressed.

During the campaign period, Ruto had poked holes on the SGR which was built to enhance efficiency at the port. He noted that it was taken hostage by some few individuals who wanted it for their selfish reasons.

"The SGR was intended to make the port much more efficient. Unfortunately, a few people took hostage of the whole program and ended up with selfish programs that benefit a few people to the detriment of the people on the Coast."

"We have committed that administrative and legal steps will be taken to reverse what has become the biggest impoverishment to the people at the Coast," Ruto stated in May 2022.

A photo of SGR cargo trains. /FILE