Kenya government to transform Mombasa port into modern sea port

Presidents Yoweri Museveni, Paul Kagame, Uhuru Kenyatta commissioning  Mombasa port Berth 19. [Photo: PSCU]

By PSCU

Presidents Yoweri Museveni, Paul Kagame,
Uhuru Kenyatta commissioning
 Mombasa port Berth 19. [Photo: PSCU]

KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Wednesday the government will transform the Port of Mombasa into the largest, busiest and the most friendly sea port on the East African coast.

 He challenged Kenyan businessmen and public servants to take advantage of the port development and other infrastructure development in the transport sector by developing services that focus on the entire East African region.
 Speaking during the commissioning of Berth number 19 at the port, President Uhuru noted that despite an enormous growth in cargo volume to 900,000 Twenty Equivalent Units, the government has increased cargo handling capacity from 250,000 to 450, 000 units following the construction of the berth.

 He said the government was keen on removing all non-tariff barriers to free movement of people, goods and services in order to reduce unnecessary business costs.
 He also said owing to reduction of piracy in the Indian Ocean, local and international business community were more confidence to trade in the region.
 Speaking during the occasion, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said elected leaders from Mombasa are ready to work with the Jubilee Government in supporting development initiatives in the region.
 He said the government, under leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta, has ensured that the coastal region enjoys an expanded infrastructure development that boosts its economic status.
 “I want to thank our beloved President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta for ensuring that Mombasa’s transport infrastructure is improved by building dual carriage roads that link the county to the Northern Corridor and other counties. This will go a long way in ensuring Mombasa port has the supporting infrastructure,” said the Governor.
 Mr Joho said the on-going development of the port facilities is a great milestone to the development of the coastal region as it will economically empower the local residents.
 “The mega investments being made in the Port of Mombasa will improve trade and economic growth in the region and we look forward to hosting our brothers and sisters from Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan and other parts of the region,” he said.
 Mr Joho said the Mombasa County government will create an enabling business environment to facilitate businessmen and tourists through efficient and effective service delivery.