This is the fourth in a number of memoranda that TNPA intends to sign with ports in Southern and Eastern Africa as ports authorities takes the lead in maritime regional integration.
To date MoU’s have been signed with the Maputo Port Development Company, Namibian Port Authority and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. Later this year MoU’s will be signed with the ports of Angola, Tanzania and Sudan.
Tau Morwe, Chief Executive Transnet National Ports Authority, said: “There are a number of obstacles hindering the progress of African ports. These include the lack of deep water berths, poor equipment and lack of maintenance and infrastructure; limited or no training, limited capital to develop and port infrastructure that is lacking.”
This MoU, along with the others signed previously, is a step towards co-operation and port regional integration that will see ports authorities work towards solving many of these problems.
Alluding to the first MoU signed with the Maputo Port Development Company Morwe said: “We are working closely with our Maputo colleagues to share the learnings and to resolve some of the issues”.
Justus Nyarandi KPA GM Corporate Services, representing the KPA Managing Director Gichiri Ndua, said the MoU was the formalization of a long standing relationship between themselves and TNPA. The MoU ensures that the beneficial relationship is sealed for the benefit of KPA now and into the future.
“We will enhance our efficiency by sending junior employees to South Africa to see the benchmarks that have been set and borrow similar practices for the Port of Mombasa.
“In addition KPA, which is both the landlord and operator, will look to TNPA for support with its going out to tender, for the first time, for a private terminal operator for the 550 000 TEU first phase of a new container terminal that is under construction,” said Nyarandi. 2
The Kenyan Port Authority believes that these port level agreements will also serve to form foundation blocks that will strengthen the regional ports authorities.
Tau Morwe Chief Executive Transnet National Ports Authority (left) and Justus Nyarandi GM Corporate Services Kenyan Port Authority (on behalf of the KPA MD Gichiri Ndua) sign a Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes the relationship between the ports and furthers maritime regional integration. Witnessing the signing are (back left) Phyllis Difeto TNPA Chief Operating Officer and Addraya Dena KPA Head of Contracts and Financing. 3
Tau Morwe Chief Executive Transnet National Ports Authority receives a Kenyan Port Authority shield from Justus Nyarandi General Manager Kenyan Port Authority as token of a long term relationship sealed.