KPA unveils Sh1.4b port upgrade with helicopter, smart traffic system

MV Baltimore Express, the largest vessel ever to dock in East and Central Africa, at the Port of Lamu after arriving from the Port of Salalah, on May 10, 2026. [Robert Menza, Standard]

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has acquired a helicopter to transport marine pilots between the Port of Mombasa and the Port of Lamu, significantly reducing travel time and improving pilotage services at the country's newest commercial port.

The helicopter will cut the journey to about 30 minutes, replacing the current reliance on commercial flights and other transport options. KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto announced the development while commissioning the new Vessel Traffic Management and Information System (VTMIS) at the Marine Tower in the Port of Mombasa. He said the aircraft has already been acquired and is currently being assembled in Nairobi ahead of its deployment.

"This helicopter will support pilotage services at the Port of Lamu. Pilots will be flown to Lamu in minutes. Most major ports around the world use helicopters to transport marine pilots and we are adopting the same approach. The helicopter is being assembled and is expected to begin operations within the next one to two months," said Ruto.

The VTMIS which was installed by Marintel/Next Technology cost KPA about Sh1 billion while the chopper was bought at about Sh400 million. Lamu, which currently operates three berths, was commissioned in May 2021 by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and has been handling mostly transshipment cargo.

The acquisition of the aircraft is one of the commitments that the ports authority was to undertake so as to align itself with the growing demands of Kenya's port.

Commissioning of the VTMIS is another major milestone undertaken to modernise operations in the Port of Mombasa and further strengthen maritime safety, navigation and operational efficiency.

According to Ruto, the system is part of the port automation and digitising programme aimed at ensuring visibility of vessels in the port.

“From this system, you can see what is going on in the port. You can see vessels 40 miles away and nobody can claim that he does not see where his ship is,” he explained.

Ruto said the system reflects the authority's commitment to embrace digital technologies so as to improve port operations and support the growing demand for maritime services.

The MD noted that the Port of Mombasa has recorded significant growth in cargo volumes and vessel traffic over the past three years, including an increase in first-time vessel calls, necessitating investment in advanced technology to ensure efficient vessel movement.

The VTMIS has been implemented in line with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards to enhance safe, secure and efficient navigation within the port.

“As an integrated system, the VTMIS will further improve vessel traffic management and strengthen overall port operations, including traffic management, resource allocation and logistics coordination. This places the port of Mombasa firmly at the centre of digital transformation that is reshaping global trade, logistics and maritime operations,” he stated.

The system has been deployed across three strategic sites: the Port Vessel Traffic Services Control Tower, Ras Serani Signal Station and the Shimanzi Oil Terminal Radar Site.

Together, the facilities provide real-time monitoring and coordinated management of vessel movements within the Port of Mombasa and its approaches. According to KPA, the integrated platform features real-time vessel tracking, advanced radar surveillance, marine communication systems, meteorological monitoring, oil spill detection capabilities and digital port management functions and will improve decision making, resource allocation and logistics coordination while enhancing overall maritime safety.

Kenya Ships Agency Association (KSAA) CEO Elijah Mbaru says Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) function as an air traffic control system for the sea. By managing, monitoring, and organising vessel movements in busy waterways and ports, VTS operations help ship owners safeguard their assets, optimise voyage profitability, and avoid costly delays.

He says VTS management provides ship owners many benefits including minimising risks of collision and grounding by tracking vessels using radar and AIS, as VTS operators warn ships of traffic conflicts, poor weather, and navigational hazards. "This direct assistance to the bridge team significantly reduces the likelihood of costly hull damage and total loss," Mburu says.

The system also aids in reducing waiting time for the vessels as it coordinates safe and organised port arrivals and departures.

By optimising ship traffic, they prevent congestion, reduce time spent waiting at anchorage and allow for a quicker turnaround in port.

"The VTS system also lowers fuel costs and emissions since the traffic flows are smooth, meaning, vessels don't have to burn unnecessary fuel while waiting for a berth. This directly boosts the owner's economic returns while reducing the carbon footprint," he notes.

The system also coordinates for emergency response in the event of a technical failure, medical emergency, or oil spill, as it steps in to coordinate search-and-rescue operations and liaise with relevant authorities. This rapid response minimises downtime and protects owners from massive liability claims.

"Above all, it also lowers insurance premiums because with the system's proven track record of drastically reducing maritime accidents, many marine insurance providers look favorably on fleets operating within well-managed VTS," he quips.

Captain Onyango from KPA said the system has been developed in the last 18 months and 30 workers have already been trained to operate it.

“To support the rollout, more than 30 KPA personnel have undergone specialised training in vessel traffic services, radar operations, port management information systems and pilotage support, including internationally recognised IALA certification programmes,” he noted.

The official said the investment strengthens both KPA's technological capability and institutional capacity, positioning the Port of Mombasa at the centre of digital transformation in global maritime trade. He reaffirmed KPA's commitment to investing in world-class infrastructure and sustainable maritime operations to enhance Kenya's competitiveness, regional integration and economic development.