Kenya Ports Authority is eyeing a new record of cargo pass-through this year, targeting 24 million tonnes from 22.3 million tonnes in 2013, as volumes swell ahead of the festive season.

KPA said cargo handled from January to October stood at about 20.4 million tonnes compared to 18.6 million tonnes in a similar period last year – a 9.7 per cent increase. This includes import and export cargo passing through the port daily.

KPA managing director Gichiri Ndua said imports have increased to 17.1 million tonnes over the period from 16 million tonnes registered by this time in 2013, a 6.9 per cent growth. Exports swelled to 2.8 million tonnes over the period, from 2.5 million tonnes – a 12 per cent increase.

Ndua said container traffic also grew to 823,313 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, from 732,856 TEU’s recorded by October last year.

“This growth is above the global average rate of eight per cent per annum. There are reliable indications that by close of the year – in three Weeks – our throughput will be significantly higher than last year’s,” said Ndua.

He said port operations will continue over the Christmas period.

“KPA shall be in business 24-hours, seven days a week, despite the festive season. We have brothers and sisters who are willing to work even on Christmas day. This will ensure that cargo movement continues throughout the festive season.”

KPA recorded a 5.4 per cent growth in transit traffic between January and October this year at 5.9 million tonnes from 5.6 million tonnes, with Uganda remaining the biggest destination for transit cargo.

Source: All Africa

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