13 held in anti-cargo theft sweep at Mombasa Port

KENYA: Four Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) employees are among 13 suspects arrested at Mombasa Port yesterday by detectives investigating loss of cargo.

Last evening, KPA Managing Director Catherine Mturi-Wairi said the suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday.

Those arrested in connection with disappearance of containers at the port were clearing and forwarding agents and four KPA workers at the one-stop centre container operation centre.

The tough talking Ms Wairi said KPA workers linked to the scam have been suspended with immediate effect and confirmed nine of 12 containers stolen from the port have been intercepted while the remaining three are being tracked down.

“We promised firm action against those who engaged in the vice. To this end, the authority engaged cyber security experts from government to assess both the technological and operational aspects of security controls in our business processes with a view to curbing cyber crimes that resulted in loss of cargo,” said Wairi.

She said those arrested yesterday were from a cross section of port stakeholders and KPA staff who would face various charges. She said she had put fraudsters on notice last May when she announced action on corruption.

“We have leads towards the three and investigations are ongoing,” said the MD. She vowed to intensify the war against cartels involved in fraud and theft of cargo at the port. She commended the Kenya Revenue Authority and law enforcement agencies at the port for enhancing efficient trade facilitation.

“We would like to reiterate our commitment to eradicate all forms of corruption at the port of Mombasa. We assure our stakeholders that we shall not relent in our efforts towards achieving this goal,” she said. Wairi was appointed managing director last month after holding the position in an acting capacity from February this year when her predecessor Gichiri Ndua left.