KENYA PORTS AUTHORITY [KPA]

By Tobby Otum

The ongoing rehabilitation at the Kisumu port is one of Kenya Ports Authority’s [KPA] projects aimed at transforming the facility.

KPA acting Managing Director Rashid Salim said the rehabilitation work at the Lakeside port is in good progress and has taken significant steps.

He added the work in progress at the Kisumu facility is aimed at transforming it into a modern commercial port to serve the growing regional trade in line with the East African Community [EAC] plan of integration.

“The Kisumu port facility is one of the authority’s ongoing projects to transform facilities,” he pointed out.

Rashid said the Kisumu facility’s phase one project which entailed improving the physical infrastructure is ready for official commissioning.

His remarks were contained in a speech read on his behalf by KPA General Manager Corporate Services Edward Kamau during the launch of the second edition of the East Africa Maritime awards ceremony held at the Sarova Whitesands beach hotel in Mombasa county.

The KPA boss said the Lakeside port’s physical infrastructure includes the paving of the yard and strengthening of the quay walls.

Rashid said the strengthening of the quay walls and dredging of the channel was completed on time.

He disclosed the authority has begun an Environmental Impact Study at the Shimoni port in Kwale county.

“The proposed construction of the premier fishing port in Kwale county only awaits the Environmental Impact Study report before it commences,” he pointed out.