The Non-resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Kenya, Mr. Yatiman bin Yusof paid a courtesy call on the Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director, Capt. William Ruto.
The envoy said his visit marked his first return to the Port of Mombasa after almost seven years, adding he was astounded by the rapid development strides made at the facility.
Expressing his admiration for the progress at the Port, Mr. Yatiman commended Capt. Ruto for the renewed vigor in operations under his leadership.
He at the same time acknowledged the port’s capacity expansion programs and praised the Managing Director for the notable improvements.
Capt. William Ruto, in turn, briefed the High Commissioner on the port’s capacity expansion initiatives, highlighting the pivotal role played by the Second Container Terminal in enhancing the port’s annual capacity by an additional 1 million TEUs.
He also shared details of the collaboration between Kenya Ports Authority and PSA International, formerly known as the Port of Singapore Authority.
PSA is keen in partnering with KPA towards expansion of port infrastructure in Kenya as well as enhancing operations efficiency. The MD welcomed the idea and called upon PSA in particular for support towards development of inland connectivity to enhance trade within the Eastern and Central Africa region.
During the meeting, Capt. Ruto highlighted the remarkable reduction in ship waiting times at the Port of Mombasa, emphasizing that the waiting time currently stands between 2 to 3 days, mirroring the efficiency achieved at the Port of Singapore, where ships now wait for only 2 days.
The discussions between the High Commissioner and the Managing Director underscored the strategic importance of the partnership between Singapore and Kenya in advancing maritime operations and enhancing trade facilitation.
The visit served as a testament to the longstanding ties between the two nations and the commitment to fostering mutual growth and development in the maritime sector.
In terms of trade volumes via the Port of Mombasa between the two nations, in 2023 Kenya’s imports recorded 396,572 metric tons from Singapore against 47,860 metric tons exports.
Source : Kenya Ports Authority
