Kenya Ports Authority rallies stakeholders to seal export logistics deal
Final talks aim to cement fresh produce sea export agreements and improve cold chain reliability.
KENYA – Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is leading final negotiations with key industry players to sign Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and agree on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will shape the sea export of fresh produce.
The three-day stakeholder forum, which began in Nairobi, brings together partners from both the public and private sectors. Their task is to validate the final feasibility report on cool logistics infrastructure and the National Logistics and Freight Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Plan.
The forum is organized by KPA, Kenya Railways Corporation, the Logistics Working Group, and TradeMark Africa. Funding comes from the European Union through the Business Export and Enhancement Programme (BEEP) and UKAid via the Regional Economic Development for Investment and Trade (REDIT).
Once signed, the SLAs are expected to improve service delivery and reduce delays and post-harvest losses. They will also encourage more collaboration and accountability across the supply chain, making Kenya’s horticultural exports more competitive.
The agreements bring together players including the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), packing houses, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), Horticulture Crops Directorate, Port Health, Kenya Transport Association (KTA), and shipping lines.
Green channel and fresh produce efficiency
Speaking at the event on behalf of KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto, Ms. Evelyn Mwamure, General Manager of Corporate Research Planning and Compliance, said the Authority has invested in cargo handling systems, reefer points, and other infrastructure to better serve exporters.
“The Green Channel initiative will prioritize clearance for compliant, pre-verified export consignments of fresh produce,” she said. “It allows eligible exporters to enjoy expedited clearance, reduced inspections, and seamless movement through the port.”
She added that the success of the Green Channel rests on mutual trust, compliance, and performance. All actors along the chain must support its rollout.
Representatives from TradeMark Africa, the European Union, and UKAid also addressed the gathering. Lilian Mwai, Country Director at TradeMark Africa, emphasized that partnerships remain essential to drive Kenya’s trade agenda forward.
Infrastructure expansion and regional growth
To further support exporters, KPA has added 1,367 reefer container power points across its sites in Mombasa, Nairobi, Lamu, and Naivasha.
These refrigerated charging units help maintain the right temperatures for perishable goods during sea transport. Mombasa leads with 795 points, followed by Nairobi with 336, Lamu with 216, and Naivasha with 20.
Captain Ruto confirmed that this investment responds to rising demand from exporters across the region, including Tanzania. He said KPA is now giving priority access to trucks carrying perishable cargo and improving scanning processes to cut wait times at entry points.
Firms like Vertical Agro (EPZ) Limited have already seen significant cost reductions by moving exports from air to sea freight. Maersk Eastern Africa noted a rise in interest in cold chain shipping, saying Mombasa is now growing as a regional centre for refrigerated container logistics.
Be the first to leave a comment