We will expand, not sell Port of Mombasa

By Patrick Beja

The Government has allayed fears it was planning to sell the Port of Mombasa.

Transport Minister Amos Kimunya instead said the port would be expanded through development of more berths.

"Instead of selling the port, we will encourage the private sector participation in managing some facilities such as berths," Kimunya said.

Addressing port stakeholders during the World Maritime Day celebrations in Mombasa at the weekend, the minister said the private sector would be encouraged to participate in managing Lamu Port once constructed.

Seafarers Union of Kenya General Secretary Abubakar Omar had asked the minister to clarify the Government position on privatising the Port of Mombasa.

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"We are worried that the Government plans to privatise the port of Mombasa and we are seeking a clarification on this," Omar said.

"The Government will concentrate more on expanding port infrastructure and do less business, leaving the private sector to take charge," Kimunya explained.

Calls to speed up mass training of seafarers to take up jobs on board foreign vessels following a worldwide shortage of maritime personnel were prominent.

Six boats from Kenya Navy, Kenya Police, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority and a ferry from the Kenya Ferry Services sailed past the Kilindini Channel near Mama Ngina Drive in the colourful celebrations.

Kenya Maritime Authority Chairman Joseph Nguru, Director General Nancy Karigithu, International Maritime Authority Kenya representative John Muindi and Kenya Ports Authority Harbour Master Twalib Khamis attended the festival.