WHAT A PORT

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is a state  corporation with the responsibility to "maintain, operate, improve and regulate all scheduled seaports" on the Indian Ocean coastline of Kenya, including principally Kilindini Harbour at Mombasa. Other KPA ports include Lamu, Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kiunga, Shimoni, Funzi and Vanga. The headquarters of KPA are located off  of Mbaraki road in the Mbaraki neighbourhood on Mombasa Island in Mombasa on the kenyan Indian Ocean coast. KPA was established in 1978 through an act of parliament.

The Port of Mombasa handles a wide variety of import and export commodities though on low volumes. Its average annual traffic throughput is 8 million tonnes. A large chunk is composed of imports, accounting for 75%, with crude oil however taking the biggest share. Exports account for 25% of the total traffic. Export commodities general comprise of agricultural and semi-processed raw materials with the latter gaining momentum due the governments’ initiative in establishing the Export Processing Zone (EPZ). Tea and Coffee dominate exports, which are tapped from the country’s captive hinterland and that of the non-captive landlocked countries like Uganda. Carlos Canamero of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) argues that when port’s financial positions are compared in terms of operational revenue, most ports in the world make huge chunks of profits. The  problem arises when other factors like servicing loans for port development, ports are extremely left in financial quagmire. That is why most ports have to be subsidised by their governments. Indeed this is true considering KPA’s financial position.

While the Port of Mombasa is acknowledged offering a vital link to the imports and exports of Kenya’s trade, which are a component of the balance of payment for the country, its poor performance impact affects the competitiveness of the overall Kenyan economy. Attention therefore should be paid to the costs of port services and the tariff, which are a major decisive factor that have to be compared with the level of services performed to justify either raising or lowering the tariff.

 Other economical imapact that the Mombasa port has led is development of infrastructure, creation of employment, improvement of socail amenities. and expansion of market. The residence of Mombasa are happy because one can be employed to work at the port. Most youths have been employed thus enhancing the growth of economy in Mombasa county.

The port has also increase population. The opening of the port has made people population to increase. We find that many residence of Mombasa county live near the port. The port has brought many changes in Mombasa. Importation of goods is also one of the major reason for the growth of the county. Goods can now be easily be imported to the port safely.

The Mombasa port has contributed alot in matters of economy. The former President did a good job in the contribution of making Mombasa a better a place to everyone. Residence of Mombasa are now satisfied because the promises were fully  done. It is now one of the biggest port in Kenya. Mombasa county is known widely because of the port. Residence of Mombasa have pride to have the port.