Port of Mombasa embraces integration and technology-driven solutions

Efforts to reduce cargo clearance delays at the Port of Mombasa gained significant momentum recently after the heads of the Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Ports Authority agreed to deepen collaboration through systems integration and technology-driven solutions designed to improve cargo flow and trade efficiency. 

Revenue Authority Commissioner, General Adan Mohamed, and Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer, Captain William Ruto, said closer cooperation between the two agencies would focus on automation, data sharing and the harmonisation of operational processes to eliminate bottlenecks, facilitate seamless cargo movement, reduce delays and enhance service delivery for importers, exporters and other port users. 

The commitment is part of efforts by both agencies to leverage technology to improve cargo-clearance efficiency and support growing trade volumes through the country’s premier maritime gateway. 

During the meeting, Mohamed commended Kenya Ports Authority’s ongoing Smart Gates Project, describing it as a key innovation that will ease traffic congestion around the port and accelerate cargo evacuation. 

The two leaders toured KPA’s ongoing gate infrastructure modernisation project, where they were briefed on the Smart Gates system, which will automate truck identification and verification, speed up cargo-clearance processes and significantly reduce truck turnaround times. 

Mohamed said the agencies would continue integrating their systems and embracing technology-driven solutions to enhance cargo processing and support a more efficient logistics chain. 

Working to streamline operational challenges 

“We are committed to working jointly with other government agencies to streamline operational challenges through systems integration and harmonised processes in order to serve our esteemed clients better,” he stated. 

Ruto reaffirmed the Ports Authority’s commitment to working closely with the Revenue Authority and other stakeholders to eliminate operational bottlenecks and strengthen the competitiveness of the Port of Mombasa. 

He described the Smart Gates Project as a game changer that would improve operational efficiency, enhance cargo flow and support faster movement of cargo through the port. 

“We are working together as one team to address any bottlenecks affecting port operations and make the Port of Mombasa more efficient for all our customers,” said Ruto. 
 

As part of the visit, Mohamed also toured the Revenue Authority’s cargo-scanning facilities and the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) operations. 

Mombasa is regarded as one of the busiest and most strategically significant ports on the African continent. It is a primary maritime gateway to East and Central Africa, serving as an economic lifeline for landlocked nations such as Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.