Shipping lines, traders dealing in import and export of goods and other players in the shipping industry have expressed optimism in the new changes mooted by the government at the port. 

The industry players hope that the changes will improve services at the port.

They particularly noted that the appointment of a substantive CEO at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) after more than three years was most welcome as the new holder will be able to fully take charge.

They said the appointment of former Kinango MP Benjamin Tayari as Chairman of the KPA board was welcome because he was a professional in the freight logistics sector and hence understands port operations.meant to be ready by 2025.

According to Trade and industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, government will immediately advertise for investment opportunities at Dongo Kundu.

KPA completed the construction of a Sh40 billion modern oil terminal and a Sh62 billion second container terminal as part of the expansion of the port of Mombasa. The corporation has also began the acquisition of equipment for Lamu Port with the arrival of a Sh1.4 billion tug boat recently.

Tayari has been appointed to serve for period of three years at the KPA board. The appointment was contained in a Kenya gazette notice dated January 12, 2023.

In the notice, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revoked the appointment of General Kibwana who had been appointed KPA chairman for a second term.

Kibwana was removed from KPA at a time when the board was in the process of recruiting a managing director to replace acting managing director John Mwangemi.

Mr Mwangemi who was appointed on an acting capacity by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta will exit the port in the next two months. Mwangemi took over from Rashid Salim who retired after acting as managing director for about two years.

KPA has not had a substantive managing director since the removal of Daniel Manduku about three years ago.