New KPA MD Mwangemi promises to do his best

By Tobby Otum

Port of Mombasa issues have been my main area of interest despite having been a diplomat.

Newly appointed acting Kenya Ports Authority [KPA] Managing Director Amb John Mwangemi acknowledge he is new at the authority’s helm but his diplomatic missions linked him with landlocked countries which has made him become quite conversant with customer needs perspectives.

He assured port stakeholders his obligation is to do his best to meet their expectations.

“Today’s ceremony is the first since being appointed to take over from the authority’s acting MD Rashid Salim and I am glad that the event aims at strengthening business relations and partnerships between Kenya and France,” he pointed out.

Mwangemi added the event is a major milestone for the two great nations’ business relations.

His remarks were contained in a speech read on his behalf by KPA General Manager Corporate Services Edward Kamau during the CMA-CGM Quay function held at berth number 18 at the port of Mombasa in Mombasa county

The KPA boss disclosed the global trade statistics have shown 90 percent of international trade is carried out by sea through ports.

Amb. Mwangemi, who is former Kenya ambassador to Djibouti, added that KPA remains one of the most important stakeholders in the trade collaboration between Kenya and France.

He said another key partnership is the shipping line CMA-CGM, who are the main transporters in the trade chain.

“I wish to note that the Authority has enjoyed cordial relations with the CMA-CGM and we recognize them as one of the top shipping lines calling at the Port of Mombasa and bringing in large volumes of cargo,” he pointed said.

The KPA boss said in his speech the authority is dedicated to enhancing the maritime sector of the country in collaboration with all stakeholders in the industry and other development partners.

Amb. Mwangemi added that this is in line with the KPA Port Master Plan and Kenya’s Vision 2030.

He announced owing to the good business relations with the shipping line the authority has allocated Berth number 17 as their dedicated window.

“The move is to give the shipping line first priority over other lines in the use of the berth,” he pointed out.