The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing port operations through major investments in digital infrastructure, with the rollout of a new Terminal Operating System (TOS) as a flagship project.
Speaking at a recent engagement with industry stakeholders, Edward Kamau, KPA’s General Manager for Corporate Services, described the TOS as a transformative initiative that will streamline cargo handling, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the customer experience at the Port of Mombasa.
“The new Terminal Operating System will revolutionize how we manage cargo movements, from ship-to-shore operations to final clearance,” said Mr. Kamau.
The introduction of the TOS is part of a wider modernization strategy by KPA that also includes the construction of Berth 19B and major equipment upgrades to support faster and safer cargo handling. At the same time, the Port of Lamu continues to gain traction as a regional transshipment hub, with 32 vessels docking between August 4 and 31—13 of them container ships—signalling growing confidence in Kenya’s port infrastructure.
Industry players have welcomed these developments as a step toward greater efficiency and competitiveness. Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) President Mr. Charles Mwebembezi lauded KPA’s modernization efforts, saying: “Investments in port modernization, particularly digital platforms, are vital in reducing bottlenecks, enhancing transparency, and making our ports globally competitive. We strongly support these initiatives as they directly contribute to greater efficiency for the logistics sector and regional trade,” he said.
Through initiatives such as the TOS rollout, KPA aims to position Kenya’s ports as world-class, digitally driven gateways for regional and international trade, aligning with the country’s broader ambition of becoming a logistics hub for Eastern Africa.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com or oningaam@gmail.com / +254733780240.
