Kenya Ports Authority Calls for Stronger Public-Private Collaboration to Drive Logistics Competitiveness

Kenya’s transport and logistics sector has been recognized as a key driver of economic transformation, with renewed calls for stronger collaboration between government and industry players to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar underscored the sector’s central role in shaping the country’s economic future, noting that the success of regional trade will depend on collaboration, innovation, and the adoption of efficient systems.

Speaking at the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa stakeholder forum and Annual General Meeting, Daghar urged industry players to embrace shared responsibility in reducing delays, lowering logistics costs, and strengthening Kenya’s position as a competitive regional trade gateway.

He cautioned that while government agencies provide policy direction and infrastructure, the private sector remains a critical partner in driving progress.

He also emphasized that industry players are indispensable in identifying bottlenecks, providing real-time evidence, and proposing practical solutions to persistent operational challenges. Without their active input, he noted, policy interventions risk falling short of addressing industry needs.

On the operational front, Kenya Ports Authority CEO Capt. William K. Ruto highlighted ongoing port modernisation initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.

These include systems upgrades and measures to enhance turnaround times at key facilities.

He noted that KPA is working closely with cargo handlers, clearing agents, and transporters to address operational constraints at the Port of Mombasa and other installations.

According to the CEO, stakeholder feedback continues to play a key role in guiding investment decisions that deliver measurable gains for trade facilitation.

Shippers Council of East Africa Chairman John G. Msafari - FICS, CRG welcomed the strengthened collaboration between government agencies and the private sector, describing it as essential for unlocking growth in the logistics sector.

He observed that continuous engagement has helped align regulatory expectations with commercial realities, easing friction along the supply chain.

The forum, which also brought together the Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Trade Network Agency(KenTrade), and other relevant agencies, focused on the state of shipping and logistics, with stakeholders calling for sustained multi-agency coordination and closer private sector engagement to maintain the competitiveness of Kenya’s ports.