By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), has expressed its commitment towards enhancing cold chain logistics for fresh produce.
Speaking during a media engagement facility visit at Vertical Agro EPZ Limited, both KPA Board Chairman Hon. Dalu Tayari and Managing Director Capt. William Ruto emphasized the need to recognize the global trends towards the movement of fresh produce and horticultural commodities via sea mode of transport.
“Globally, ports play a crucial role in growing the economies of a nation and the region at large. At the policy level, the Board has ensured the provision of a conducive environment for the growth of the port industry,” said Hon. Dalu, KPA chairman.
He praised Mr. Shah Tiku, CEO of Vertical Agro Limited, and his team for their commitment and skills that have greatly enhanced Kenya’s sea transport of fresh produce.
Hon. Tayari outlined KPA’s efforts to ensure efficient and secure cargo handling and delivery at ports, emphasizing the Authority’s commitment to implementing essential reforms to remove Non-Tariff Barriers along trade corridors.
Capt. William Ruto, the KPA Managing Director, disclosed that there has been a notable increase in the volume of export reefer cargo handled at the Port.
He noted that KPA recorded 6813 TEUs in the first quarter of this year, marking a 6 percent rise compared to the same period in the previous year.
The media facility visit aimed to underscore the significance of reliable cold chain infrastructure in ensuring the quality and safety of fresh produce as it moves through the supply chain.
The MD said that so far KPA has installed a total of 1367 reefer plugging points; Port of Mombasa 795, ICD Nairobi 336, Port of Lamu 216 and Naivasha ICD 20.
KPA Board Directors Dr Consolata Lusweti, Mr Ahmed Muktar, Mr Chris Makokha and Ms. Beatrice Nyamoita were also present as well as General Managers Mr Edward Kamau (Corporate Services), Ms. Evelyn Mwamure (Corporate Planning Research and Compliance) and Eng. Matthews Amuti (Infrastructure Development).