Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) managing director William Ruto has reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to expanding port capacity, strengthening stakeholder partnerships and improving operational efficiency to boost trade and economic growth in Kenya and the wider region.
Speaking during the KPA Corporate Golf Tournament and Stakeholders’ Dinner at Vet Lab Sports Club in Nairobi, Ruto said sustained engagement with customers, partners and investors was critical to advancing the country’s maritime, logistics and transport sectors.
He described the authority’s nationwide golf circuit as an important platform for building strategic relationships and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
“Supporting golf is not simply about sponsoring a sporting event; it is about strengthening relationships with the people and organizations that contribute to the growth of trade, logistics, and the wider economy,” Ruto stated.
The annual tournament brought together more than 209 corporate leaders, golfers and industry stakeholders for networking and discussions on opportunities within the maritime and transport sectors.
In the competition, Erick Karimi, playing off handicap 23, emerged as the overall winner after posting an impressive 47 points.
Ruto also highlighted progress in the Authority’s operations, citing increased vessel traffic, cargo volumes and container throughput at the Port of Mombasa.
He attributed the growth to investments in modern infrastructure, equipment and digital transformation aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening the port’s competitiveness as a regional trade gateway.
Among the key expansion projects are Dongo Kundu Berth One and Berth 19B, which are expected to increase annual container-handling capacity by 300,000 units.
The Port of Lamu is also gaining strategic importance under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Programme, which seeks to improve regional connectivity and facilitate trade.
Beyond port operations, KPA reiterated its commitment to sustainable development through its Green Port agenda, which focuses on energy efficiency, mangrove restoration, waste management and national tree-growing campaigns.
The Authority also extended its corporate social investment programme by donating essential commodities worth Sh500,000 to the Nairobi Children's Rescue Centre during the event.
KPA manages and operates Kenya’s seaports and plays a key role in facilitating international trade, serving neighbouring landlocked countries and connecting East and Central Africa to global markets
