President William Ruto when he launched the Toyota Fortuner Assembly Line in Miritini, Mombasa. PHOTO/PRESIDENCY
By DUKE TSUMA
The Government will work with strategic partners to make the port of Mombasa more efficient, President William Ruto, has said.
The Head of State said the Government is keen in transforming the port of Mombasa to be globally competitive by working with strategic maritime partners and other stakeholders.
“The productivity of this Port is directly linked to the state of our economy, improving efficiency will help us create jobs, boost export volumes and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
The government is contemplating privatizing a number of services at different ports operated by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as part of its plans to enhance efficiency and service delivery at Kenyan harbours.
President Ruto said reforms at the port are crucial for the country’s prosperity. The President was speaking during the Port Reforms Working Group Consultative Forum at the Berth 22 of the Port of Mombasa on Saturday.
Later in Miritini, the President launched the Toyota Fortuner Assembly Line, a 120 million dollars vehicle Assembly plant.
Speaking at the launch, the President said the government has instituted policies and measures to create an environment for the growth of manufacturing.
“We need investments to create the opportunities, uplift communities and strengthen the economy,” President Ruto noted.
He challenged players in the automotive sector to develop affordable cars for low-income earners. At the Kenya Navy Headquarters, the President presided over the rededication of KNS Shupavu.
He pointed out that the move will improve the capacity of the Kenya Defence Forces to effectively support the maritime industry.
“This will significantly boost our Blue Economy and enhance our exploration for possibilities of trade and investment in the Oceans,” the Head of State added.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, CSs Kipchumba Murkomen, Moses Kuria, Aden Duale, Salim Mvurya, Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi, MPs led by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Kenya Ports Authority Chairman Benjamin Tayari, among others, were present.
