Landmark Projects Changing The Face Of Coastal Kenya

MOMBASA, Kenya, Jan 12- A high-powered team of Principal Secretaries is camping at the coast region this week on a mission to ensure key development projects are on track to deliver the expected impact.

The National Development Implementation Technical Committee (NDITC) chaired by Interior PS Karanja Kibicho is seeking to optimize the efficiency and impact of Mombasa Port, the Container Terminal 2, and the new Kipevu Oil Terminal among other projects.

The Committee will also review the progress made in implementing key interventions agreed on by various agencies last year towards addressing complaints raised by freighters and port users over inefficiencies at the facility.

Addressing the media after inspecting the Container Terminal 2, Kibicho said the PSs have split into four groups focusing on projects in Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties.

“There were issues about the turn-around time of vessels and delays in the evacuation of containers from the port; we formed a multi-agency team that was tasked with looking at areas that needed improvement. It is the implementation of the promises that we made during the last two visits that have brought us back to check where we are and the status of play in terms of the commitments,” he said.

The Committee is set to hold a meeting with the freighters regarding the execution of the matrix, after which the teams will convene later on Thursday to consolidate their findings from their assignments.

“We are not here because the Port of Mombasa has problems, or there are issues in the implementation of the development projects that are underway. In fact, they will be delivered in a timely manner. These projects are very important cogs in turning the economic development of our country, and that is why we are taking the improvement of their efficiency very seriously,” he said.

The construction of Container Terminal 2, which sits on reclaimed land, and the new Kipevu Oil Terminal is underway, the latter of which is set to be commissioned by President Kenyatta soon.

Once completed, the new Kipevu Oil Terminal will increase importation and exportation of six different hydrocarbon products thereby building the reputation of the Coast region as the leading in terms of midstream activities, which include transportation and processing, as well as downstream handling, particularly distribution and sale to consumers.

The facility is also expected to open thousands of direct skilled and less skilled jobs, indirect jobs, and induced jobs for the residents; provide a guaranteed supply of gas and oil products; and spur infrastructural development and social development in the coastal region.

Dr. Kibicho also played down concerns that the current security situation in the divisions of Mukunumbi, Witu, Mpeketoni, and Hindi would hamper operations in Lamu Port, adding that security officers have heightened surveillance and vigilance in the affected areas.