The government has put the necessary measures to enhance efficiency at the Port of Mombasa to make it more productive and competitive in the global maritime world amid the increasing Al-Shabaab attacks in the coastal region.
The Chairman of the National Development Implementation Technical Committee Karanja Kibicho said the Mombasa Port continues to play a critical role in the economic development of the country.
“We are not here because the Port of Mombasa has problems, or there are issues in the implementation of the development projects that are underway. In fact, they will be delivered in a timely manner. These projects are very important cogs in turning the economic development of our country, and that is why we are taking the improvement of their efficiency very seriously.”
Kibicho is now calling for closer collaboration between relevant state agencies and other maritime stakeholders in the completion of government development programs.
The chairman who is also the interior permanent secretary said the ongoing massive security operation in Lamu County to flush out suspected al Shabab militants would not have any negative effect on the operation of Lamu port.
The NDITC Committee will also review the progress made in implementing key interventions agreed on by various agencies last year towards addressing complaints raised by freighters and port users over inefficiencies at the facility.
Construction of Container Terminal 2
The construction of Container Terminal 2, which sits on reclaimed land, and the new Kipevu Oil Terminal is underway, the latter is set to be commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta soon.
Once completed, the new Kipevu Oil Terminal will increase importation and exportation of six different hydrocarbon products thereby building the reputation of the Coast region.
“We have reclaimed a whole container terminal for this country. After this we will of course go to Kipevu Oil terminal to see how the process is ongoing in readiness for commissioning,” Dr.Kibicho added.
Kipevu Oil Terminal is leading in terms of midstream activities, which include transportation and processing, as well as downstream handling, particularly distribution and sale to consumers.
The facility is also expected to open thousands of direct skilled and less skilled jobs, indirect jobs, and induced jobs for the residents and provide a guaranteed supply of gas and oil products.
It is also set to spur infrastructural development and social development in the coastal region.
The Interior PS disclosed plans to hold a meeting with the freighters regarding the execution of the matrix, after which the teams will convene later on Thursday to consolidate their findings from their assignments.
The Kibicho led committee is among the high-powered team of Principal Secretaries camping at the coast region this week on a mission to ensure key development projects are on track to deliver the expected impact.
It also happens at a time when President Uhuru Kenyatta’s second and final term nears amidst critics from his opponents over his legacy since he took office in 2022.
