The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has stepped up its push for digital transformation, positioning technology as a key pillar in improving efficiency at the Port of Mombasa and strengthening Kenya’s role in regional trade.
The Authority made the case during the inaugural Innovation Week hosted by the Technical University of Kenya in Nairobi, where government agencies and private sector players showcased new solutions aimed at driving economic growth.
Representing KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto, Corporate Communications Manager Jones Buchere said the timing of the innovation push is critical as economies increasingly rely on technology to remain competitive.
“This is a timely initiative as innovation continues to shape economies, strengthen competitiveness and support sustainable development,” Buchere said.
At the centre of KPA’s strategy is the ongoing modernisation of operations at the Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s busiest seaport and a key gateway for landlocked countries including Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.
Buchere said the authority has invested heavily in digital systems, including automated cargo handling, gate automation and real-time cargo tracking technologies.
The changes, he noted, are already delivering results, cutting vessel turnaround time, improving transparency and reducing operational costs for importers and exporters.
Industry data shows the Port of Mombasa has in recent years recorded improved efficiency, with faster cargo clearance and reduced congestion attributed to reforms in port management and technology adoption.
The digital push aligns with the broader government agenda to modernise infrastructure and position Kenya as a regional logistics hub under the transport and blue economy docket.
Officials say continued investment in port technology is key to supporting trade growth, especially under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African commerce.
Beyond systems and infrastructure, KPA is also focusing on building a future-ready workforce, with expanded internship and industrial attachment programmes targeting students in ICT and other technical fields.
“We believe investing in young talent is essential to sustaining innovation and building a workforce that can support the next phase of growth,” Buchere said.
The Innovation Week forum, addressed by Technical University of Kenya Vice Chancellor Benedict Mutua, highlighted the need to turn ideas into practical solutions, particularly in sectors such as transport, logistics and infrastructure.
With trade volumes rising and competition from regional ports intensifying, KPA’s digital transformation drive is being seen as a critical step in maintaining Mombasa’s edge as East Africa’s primary maritime gateway.
