KPA Commits to Enhancing Cold Chain Logistics for Fresh Produce

The Authority has expressed its commitment towards enhancing cold chain logistics for fresh produce.

Speaking during a media engagement facility visit at Vertical Agro EPZ Limited, both KPA Board Chairman Hon. Benjamin Tayari and Managing Director Capt. William Ruto emphasized the need to recognize the global trends towards the movement of fresh produce and horticultural commodities via sea mode of transport.

“Globally, ports play a crucial role in growing the economies of a nation and the region at large. At the policy level, the Board has ensured provision of a conducive environment for the growth of the port industry,” said the Chairman.

He commended the CEO of Vertical Agro Limited Mr. Shah Tiku and his team for their dedication and expertise that have significantly booster Kenya’s fresh produce via sea mode of transport.

Highlighting KPA’s initiatives towards facilitating efficient and safe cargo delivery through the country’s ports, Hon. Tayari outlined the Authority’s dedication to overseeing crucial port reforms aimed at elimination of Non-Tarrif Barriers along trade corridors.

On his part the Managing Director Capt. William Ruto revealed that the volume of export reefer cargo passing through the Port has been on the rise. He said in the first quarter of this year, KPA recorded 6813 TEUs, a 6 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The media facility visit aimed to underscore the significance of reliable cold chain infrastructure in ensuring the quality and safety of fresh produce as it moves through the supply chain.

The MD said that so far KPA has installed a total 1367 reefer plugging points; Port of Mombasa 795 , ICD Nairobi 336, Port of Lamu 216 and Naivasha ICD 20.

KPA Board Directors Dr Consolata Lusweti, Mr Ahmed Muktar, Mr Chris Makokha and Ms. Beatrice Nyamoita were also present as well as General Managers Mr Edward Kamau (Corporate Services), Ms. Evelyn Mwamure (Corporate Planning Research and Compliance) and Eng. Matthews Amuti (Infrastructure Development).