The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is responsible for managing, operating, improving, and regulating ports along Kenya’s coastline. The Kenya Ports Authority Act establishes the KPA as a corporate body with perpetual succession.
📌 Key Ports Managed by KPA:
✔ Port of Mombasa (Main Port).
✔ Other Scheduled Seaports: Lamu, Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kiunga, Shimoni, Funzi, and Vanga.
✔ Inland Container Depots (ICDs): Embakasi, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
🔹 Powers of the Kenya Ports Authority
1️⃣ General Powers
✔ Manage, operate, and regulate ports in Kenya.
✔ Construct, operate, and maintain ports and navigational aids.
✔ Develop new ports and infrastructure.
✔ Own, acquire, and dispose of property (movable & immovable).
✔ Sue and be sued in its corporate name.
2️⃣ Operational & Commercial Powers
✔ Act as a warehouseman (store goods/cargo).
✔ Transport goods and passengers by land or sea.
✔ Operate businesses like stevedoring, wharf management, and lightering.
✔ Consign goods on behalf of third parties (both local & international).
✔ Provide facilities & amenities for users of port services.
3️⃣ Infrastructure & Development Powers
✔ Construct roads, bridges, wharves, and buildings for port operations.
✔ Improve port access & navigation channels (deepening, dredging, and cleaning).
✔ Provide and operate ships for:
- Towage, protection, and salvage.
- Cargo and passenger transport.
✔ Manage pilotage services (appoint, license, and oversee pilots).
4️⃣ Transport & Logistics Powers
✔ Operate road and railway transport within port areas.
✔ Enter into agreements with Kenya Railways for joint operations.
✔ Regulate wharf construction and use.
5️⃣ Financial & Regulatory Powers
✔ Impose and collect port fees, charges, and tariffs.
✔ Prohibit, control, or regulate:
- Use of port services.
- Presence of unauthorized people, ships, or vehicles in port areas.
✔ Sell, lease, or dispose of unnecessary property.
✔ Own shares in corporations & establish subsidiaries.
6️⃣ Employee Welfare & Public Safety Powers
✔ Provide housing & accommodation for employees.
✔ Ensure security & safety in port areas in collaboration with authorities.
🔹 Summary of KPA’s Roles & Responsibilities
| Function | Role |
|---|---|
| Port Management | Oversee Mombasa & other Kenyan ports. |
| Infrastructure Development | Construct wharves, roads, bridges, & buildings. |
| Cargo & Passenger Transport | Transport goods & passengers by sea/land. |
| Stevedoring & Wharf Management | Manage cargo handling, storage, and transport. |
| Revenue Collection | Impose port fees, tariffs, & charges. |
| Security & Safety | Regulate access to ports & maritime safety. |
| Employee Welfare | Provide housing, security, and benefits for workers. |
| International Relations | Facilitate global trade & shipping agreements. |
🔹 Conclusion
✔ The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) plays a critical role in managing Kenya’s maritime transport and trade.
✔ KPA has broad powers over port operations, infrastructure, transport, logistics, and security.
✔ The Port of Mombasa remains East Africa’s key gateway for imports and exports, with expansion plans at Lamu and other coastal ports.
