The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is set to continue receiving support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to modernize marine infrastructure in Kenya and spur growth across the region of East Africa. This is according to KPA acting Managing Director (MD) John Mwangemi.
JICA has been instrumental in the implementation of several infrastructure projects in the country. These include the 2nd container terminal at the Port of Mombasa. The terminal reportedly boosted the capacity of the port by 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
The implementation of the Mombasa port development project phase one was concluded in February 2016. Phase two, on the other hand, was completed in May 2022. The implementation of these phases has established a long-standing relationship between JICA and KPA.
Mwangemi said that KPA is already in the process of conducting a feasibility study for the third phase. According to the MD, KPA is counting on infrastructure upgrades to make the main port more suitable for larger container ships.
In addition, the port will be able to manage the increase in traffic. Moreover, by placing Kenya at a competitive edge in the globe, which has become a global village, an expansion in port capacity will promote trade. This in turn will help Kenya prepare for any financial shocks.
Mombasa Port Area Roads to complement marine infrastructure in Kenya
Katsuo Matsumoto, Director General (DG) Infrastructure Engineering Department at JICA, visited a number of road project sites to evaluate their progress. He was accompanied by the Director of Development (dg) Eng. Charles Obuon. Also, the Deputy Director of Special Projects Eng. Samuel Ogege of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was also in their company.
The projects included the Mombasa Port Area Road Development Project (MPARD), comprising 3 packages. The first package of the Miritini to Kipevu project was completed in May 2018 while the third, from Mteza to Kibundani, is near completion and will be finalized in July 2023. Package II of the project from Mwache to Mteza (Dongo Kundu) is currently under construction. It is scheduled to be finished in March 2024.
The road projects, Matsumoto explained, are aimed at providing infrastructure to transport goods to and from the port of Mombasa quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Furthermore, it will also enable efficient evacuation of goods to and from the hinterland.
