The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has reaffirmed that the recently introduced inspection charges for sea vessels and containers at the Port of Mombasa remain in effect.
This clarification follows reports suggesting a suspension of these fees.
KEPHIS Managing Director Theophilus Mutui emphasized that the charges—KSh 375 for containers and KSh 2,000 for vessels—are essential for implementing safety measures in line with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards. These standards mandate inspections to ensure ships and freight containers are free from pests upon entering or leaving the country. The inspection protocol commenced as a pilot on March 1, 2025, after extensive consultations with industry stakeholders.
KPA Growth Under Chairman Benjamin Tayari and MD Captain William Ruto
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has demonstrated significant growth under the leadership of Chairman Benjamin Tayari and Managing Director Captain William Ruto. In the 2023/2024 financial year, KPA remitted a record KSh 10.6 billion in dividends to the National Treasury, a substantial increase from KSh 3.341 billion the previous year. Pre-tax profits also rose from KSh 16.642 billion to KSh 17.284 billion, reflecting robust financial performance.
Chairman Tayari highlighted that operational challenges often stem from coordination issues with other state agencies involved in port activities. He noted that establishing seamless operations with these agencies would resolve many performance challenges. Managing Director Captain Ruto added that delays in cargo handling and truck turnaround times are frequently due to inefficiencies involving external stakeholders. He advocated for adjustments in performance evaluation criteria to account for factors beyond KPA’s control.
To further enhance efficiency and competitiveness, KPA launched a five-year strategic plan (2023/24-2027/28) aligned with Kenya’s Medium-Term Plan and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This plan focuses on customer experience, operational excellence, and business growth.
Key achievements include the completion and operationalization of the second container terminal, increasing the port’s annual capacity by 450,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), and commissioning the Kipevu Oil Terminal, capable of accommodating three ships of up to 170,000 metric tonnes simultaneously.
Speaking at a previous event, Chairman Benjamin Tayari praised the progress, stating:
“Our efforts to enhance efficiency and increase port capacity are yielding results. By improving infrastructure and streamlining operations, we are positioning Mombasa as a leading maritime hub in Africa.”
These developments underscore KPA’s commitment to enhancing port operations, reducing logistical costs, and improving cargo handling efficiency, thereby contributing to the affordability of essential commodities and national economic growth.
