Towards a world class seaport
To remain responsive to the global shipping trends and work towards realization of Kenya Ports Authority’s vision – world class seaports of choice – the organization has initiated a number of projects that are at different stages of completion. The projects include the just completed and commissioned berth 19, ongoing construction of second container terminal, the integrated security system, upgrade of the ICT system and fast tracking development of Lamu Port, among others. KPA completed dredging of the channel and widening of its turning basin last year.
Construction of Berth No. 19
Berth No. 19 was commissioned by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda and Chairman of the East African Community on 27th August 2013. He was accompanied by His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President the Republic of Kenya, and His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda.
The commissioning of the facility marked the first phase of part of the vision 2030 flagship projects that are being undertaken by KPA.  Berth No. 19 is an addition of 240 meters quay to the existing 600 meters quay Container Terminal, to make it 840 meters in length. With this terminal, KPA can now berth three panama vessels of 270 meters long each with much ease. It will therefore play a critical role in enhancing port competitiveness and stimulating national and regional economic growth in tandem with KPA’s vision.
Second Container Terminal
The ongoing project involves construction of a new container terminal west of Kipevu Oil Terminal on 100 hectares of reclaimed land and with a capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs annually when completed. Phase 1 of the new container terminal which is now close to 50 percent complete, involves the construction of three berths that measure 230, 320 and 350 metres, with a total capacity of 450,000 TEUs per year.  Completion of phase 1 is expected in March 2016.
The second and third phases are expected to commence in 2016 and end in 2021 to provide a total capacity of 1.2 million TEUs once complete or 15 million tons to the Port. With a dredged depth of 15 meters the terminal is expected to handle post-Panamax vessels of 6000 TEUs capacity making it the largest terminal on the East African Seaboard.
The Second Terminal is being constructed by Toyo Contractors of Japan and is funded by the government of Japan to the tune of Ksh 22.5 billion (US$265 million). This is a STEP loan to the Kenya Ports Authority.
The terminal will have its own access road via Port Reitz and Airport Road, and another to link the Southern By-pass and join the Nairobi-Mombasa Road at Miritini. It will also have its rail sidings to facilitate quick cargo handling.
Integrated Security System
The  system includes high definition CCTV cameras, an electric fence, and other ultra-modern security surveillance systems within and around the Port. The state of the art system will be commissioned soon.
Upgrade of the SAP System
This year, KPA completed the technical and functional upgrade of the SAP System which is the Enterprise Resource Planning System that it has been using since 2002.
The functional upgrade streams that have been deployed in Phase 1 of the implementation include, New General Ledger, Financial Supply Chain Management(FSCM), Employee and Manager Self Service(ESS MSS )and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM). The upgrade has significantly enhanced speed of documentation.
Additional lanes at the Gates to enhance cargo off take
To enhance capacity and efficiency in the delivery of cargo through the gates, KPA is finalizing construction of two additional traffic lanes, a roof canopy and associated security fittings at gate No.18. The civil works that begun in November last year are expected to be completed in December this year.
Upgrading of Power Systems
KPA is currently putting up a power sub-station at Kipevu to upgrade the electricity supply from 11Kv to 132 Kv from the national grid. Commenced in August last year, the project is expected to be complete by February 2014.
Development of Crude Oil handling facility
A new modern Oil Terminal to replace the now old Kipevu Oil Terminal will be built at a newly identified site within the harbour and construction is expected to commence next year.
Lamu Port and New Transport Corridor to Southern Sudan & Ethiopia (LAPSSET)
The port is planned for 32 berths and dredged entrance channel done to -18 meters to enable it to accommodate ships of 100,000 tons.
The cost for the Short-term Plan for Lamu Port Project, including the first 3 berths, is estimated to be US$ 664 million.
The development is expected to be completed by 2016/17.
For now, the administration block and other supportive facilities are nearing completion.
INCREASING MARKET SHARE IN TRANSIT MARKETS
Recently, KPA opened a new liaison office in Kigali to serve Rwanda. Situated at the Kigali Central Business District, Grand Pension Plaza on the 6th floor, the office shall be linked to Mombasa electronically and customers will be able to pay port charges directly from Kigali and secure the release of cargo instantly. Plans are underway to open another liaison office in Bujumbura Burundi this year.
