State partners with the US to protect port

By Patrick Beja

The Government is partnering with the US government to enhance security at the port of Mombasa.

The introduction of various security improvement projects is meant to attract trade and investment in the transport sector.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) MD James Mulewa and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner General Michael Waweru signed an agreement yesterday to implement the Mega Ports Initiative (MPI) that is backed by the US Government.

MPI is intended to deter, detect and interdict illicit trafficking in nuclear weapons and other radioactive materials in the international maritime system by scrutinising all containerised cargo imports.

Separately in Mombasa, Mr Waweru and US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger launched the dog unit, dubbed ‘K9’ aimed at enhancing port security.

Police boats

Mr Ranneberger said focus in the world was on the law enforcement agencies, saying support to the K9 unit, introduction of the MPI, donation of police boats and training of Kenya’s security and customs personnel was meant to secure the port and the Coast region.

"Kenya has been committed to fighting terrorism and we want to strengthen the capabilities," the envoy said.

Transport PS Cyrus Njiru said enhanced security would ensure success of 24-hour operations at the port.

Dr Njiru said: "This initiative is part of efforts to enhance port security and efficiency. It will also attract trade and investments that will in turn create employment."

The MPI project initiated in the US would ensure integrity of the supply chain against illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials that could be used in the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction with minimal or no disruption to ongoing port operations.

"This initiative is also an early warning preparedness initiative that aims at protecting the shipping network from dangerous cargo and nuclear material," Waweru explained.

Radioactive material

The KRA boss said MPI was a mission to secure trade from all forms of threats and called on stakeholders to maintain a sense of urgency.

Mulewa said the port of Mombasa becomes the first in the sub-region to join the initiative.

Ranneberger had last year indicated Kenya had been selected because of its strategic position in the Eastern Africa region, and on account of past terror attacks as well as threats posed by neighbouring lawless Somalia.