KPA: MD Manduku says efficiency quest driven by best trade, governance tenets

At its annual Nairobi Stakeholders forum held in Nairobi Wednesday, there was a bullish aura for the managements and the board of the Kenya Ports Authority, as sector players, including Transport Cabinet Secretary – James Macharia, who hailed the Authority for the strategic measures to make it a 21st century organization offering first-class port services.

The sentiments, coming at a time of immense speculation and “adverse media reports by a section of the press” are a major confidence boost for the KPA management, which had been portrayed as being at loggerheads with the board; with further suggestions the CS was unhappy with their conduct.

Managing director Daniel Manduku, credited for several milestones since his appointment in May 2018, said stakeholders forum was an important platform to assess new business models to keep abreast with emerging relevant trends.

“”We gather here every year and regularly in other fora to keep strategizing on picking and embracing best trade and business practices,” Manduku told the forum, adding the management was actively open to receive constructive views geared towards improving efficiency and overall trade performance in the region.

Improve service delivery

CS Macharia underscored the importance of Kenya Ports Authority, saying it was one of the government’s top four strategic institutions which must succeed for the country to exist.

“The purpose of this forum is to provide a platform where we can update each other on developments affecting the industry, and the specific measures we as a government are focusing on to improve service delivery,” said Macharia.

“This forum also provides an excellent opportunity for you to share your thoughts and suggestions on how we can serve you better.”

Board chairman Joseph Kibwana said the success of KPA required the input of every player in the logistics chain.

“”As an Authority mandated to facilitate trade we are aware of our responsibility to contribute towards the growth of our economy and realization of Big 4 Agenda and Vision 2030,” maintained the chairman.