Public Works and Transport committee supports KPA new strategic plan

The Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Public Works has thrown its support behind the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) new strategic plan 2018-2022 which was launched in Mombasa.

Speaking when he addressed guests at the launch ceremony held at the Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort Convention Centre and Spa, the committee chairman, David Pkosing said that he was pleased with the strategic plan adding that his committee will full support it.

''We are requesting that KPA to anchor its ambitious strategic plan with parliament where we will ensure that it receives all the necessary government backing to make it fully implementable,'' Pkosing said.

He added that the Strategic Plan clearly states measures on how KPA wants to operate. You play a big role in the Big Four agenda and as such your mandate is critical in the development agenda of the country,'' he said.

Transport Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia in a speech read on his behalf by Chief Administrative Secretary, Dr Chris Obure said that for the next five years, the strategic plan will define business direction that KPA will take in its continued efforts to contribute to the growth of international trade.

''As you know, ports play catalytic roles in development. The Port of Mombasa is particularly key in driving the actualisation agenda of Vision 2030 and the recently unveiled Big Four agenda,'' he said.

The CS added that it is therefore fulfilling to note that right from the start, KPA involved stakeholders in the development of the document, taking into consideration pertinent concerns ensuring that the process is in line with the letter and spirit of the constitution.

Macharia said that he remained confident that the plan will catapult KPA towards achieving its projected growth and contribution in the Big Four agenda.

''This plan entails KPA's objective, short and medium term goals in furtherance of its mandate of developing, operating and maintaining all sea and inland waterway ports,'' said the CS.

Macharia explained that overiding goal of introducing this mode of management was to realign public sector performance to focus on outputs and outcomes rather than inputs and processes.

He noted that it was gratifying to note that KPA has clearly outlined in the Strategic Plan the funding requirements necessary to effect change.

''The large financial implications have been catered for through projected revenues targets of existing streams and identification of new sources of funding which will include Public Private Partnerships (PPP), loan and grants arrangements,'' he noted.

On his part, KPA Board of Directors chairman, Gen (rtd) Joseph Kibwana said that development of the Strategic Plan 2018-2022 was informed by a systematic and consultative process involving both internal and external stakeholders with the Board providing vital strategic guidance in shaping the the vision for the Authority.

''The plan has been developed at a critical time when the country is focusing on harnessing the potential of Blue Economy to support economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability of the oceans for future generations,'' Kibwana said.

Kibwana said that the Strategic Plan describes the means and strategies that will be employed in pursuit of creating world class ports of choice and strengthening Kenya’s position as a maritime transport gateway to the East and Central Africa regions.

KPA Managing Director, Dr Arch Daniel Manduku said that the KPA Strategic Plan 2018-2022 emphasised that it is aimed at guiding the Authority's strategic direction over the next five years.

'' In coming up with the plan, the main focus is on the customer and KPA will concentrate on strategic investments to modernise existing facilities in tandem with future industry demands.