The acting Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director (MD) Amb John Mwangemi Maritime Awards (EAMA 2020) under the theme “Innovation, competitiveness and sustainability’ encouraging the use of technology to enhance efficiency in service delivery Saying its aim is to set performance standards by encouraging port users towards a more collaborative approach to regional trade while taking cognizance of the praiseworthy achievements by individual players.
Ambassador Mwangemi said the event has provided a platform to the members of East African Business Council Countries (EABC) who use the port of Mombasa for the transshipment of their cargoes to discuss what they need to do as a region to grow the maritime trade. The event which brought KPA stakeholders from the countries of Burundi,Kenya,Rwanda,Uganda,
The acting Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director (MD) Amb John Mwangemi says he is determined to reposition the Mombasa and Lamu seaports for greater efficiency, safety and accountability. Amb Mwangemi says KPA is poised to create a competitive environment for all stakeholders by offering its best in port operations.
The acting MD says improving port performance and efficiency is critical to development by stimulating economic growth. He was speaking after attending the second edition of the East Africa Maritime Wards in Serena Beach Hotel in Mombasa. The acting MD said they are determined to ensure the growth and competitiveness of the country’s commercial seaports.
He said improving the turnaround time of vessels and reducing cargo dwell time is critical to attracting more vessels to the region. He said the Mombasa and Lamu seaports are important facilities for the whole region and thus every effort must be made by stakeholders to cultivate and uphold a win-win spirit for everyone.
Amb Mwangemi says several ongoing infrastructure upgrades will enable the ports to offer world class services and meet the growing demand for better services and are crucial in meeting the growth of import and export trade in the region. He said KPA has lined up a number of projects towards vital infrastructure investment and equipment upgrading to expand capacity to accommodate future growth.
The EAMA awards categories are; Best Shipping Line, Best Shipping Agent, Best Shipping Agent (Dry Bulk), Best Shipping Agent (Liquid Bulk), Best Cargo Consolidator and Best Cargo Freight Station (CFS).
Best Clearing and Forwarding Agent Per Country in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, DRC, Best Regional Cargo Logistics Provider, Best Cargo Transporter [Per Country in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and DRC] and Exporter of The Year [Per Country in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.
Others are; Importer of The Year Per Country in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, DRC and Tanzania, Membership Organization Award [Per Country in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and DRC and Most Efficient Partner Government Agency.
Marine Cargo Insurance Award, Auxiliary Service Provider Award, Financial Service Provider Award, Excellence in Maritime Education and Training, The Safety Award, Business Initiative of The Year, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Award and Innovation Award.