The Kenya Ports Authority on Tuesday issued a 14-day ultimatum to owners of private equipment and idle containers which have overstayed at the facility to collect the property, failure to which it will be disposed.
In a statement, KPA noted it would be undertaking a port clean-up exercise to free the yard areas and to maximise the use of all spaces to enhance safe and efficient service delivery.
Thus property owners were directed to make arrangements for the evacuation of their goods from the Port premises by May 7.
“Following an equipment survey exercise conducted in the Port of Mombasa, it has been observed that there are: privately owned idle equipment, stalled vehicles, tools, and long-stay empty containers lying idle within the port premises and in sick bays,” KPA noted in a statement.
Before accessing their properties, the owners will be required to make payment of all charges to the Authority.
According to KPA, in the event of your failure to comply with the above deadline, the Ports Authority will dispose of the equipment.
"The property includes long-stay containers, and any of the aforementioned items per the Kenya Ports Authority Act to defray any charges due in their respect, without any further reference to the owners," KPA stated.
The latest directive comes a week after KPA installed three new ultra-modern Ship-to-Shore cranes worth Ksh4 billion at the Lamu Port.
The cranes which were imported from China were purchased to enhance the port operations and ease the loading and offloading of goods.
"These cranes stand out due to their advanced technology and capabilities. With a reach of 24 containers across and the capacity to handle modern vessels of over 18,000 TEUs, they are well-equipped to compete with the top ports worldwide and attract Super Post-Panamax vessels," noted KPA Managing Director, Captain William Ruto.
According to him, the cranes have been specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges posed by Lamu's windy conditions, with twin-box booms ensuring stability and operational reliability.
"Furthermore, there was a notable increase in container traffic, with 1,779 TEUs recorded in 2023 compared to 382 TEUs in 2022, representing a rise of 1,397 TEUs," the Managing Director added.
