Experts split on plan to privatise Mombasa port

Containers at Mombasa Port. Photo/FILE

Players in the maritime sector are divided on the ongoing debate on the privatisation of Mombasa port.

Most want the cargo handling operations privatised, while others say that under the regulatory framework, privatisation will create more inefficiency.

Kenya Transport Association (KTA) chairman Paul Maiyo said the government had no business in port operations.

“We would like to see a situation where Kenya Ports Authority becomes a landlord port and gives operators certain levels of performance,” Mr Maiyo said, adding that most successful ports in the world were privatised.

He, however, said the process of privatisation must be transparent.

“We should not see a situation where expatriates are brought to do jobs that can be done by Kenyans,” he added.

But Kenya Shippers Council executive officer Gilbert Langat said the country had not yet created sufficient institutional reforms to guarantee the operation of a privatised port.

“Based on the Container Freight Stations experience, lack of regulatory measures may create inefficiencies at the port if privatisation is carried out within the current environment,” he said.

Kenya Ships Agents Association chairman David Mackay said privatisation of the container terminal would improve efficiency at the port.

Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association chairman Hezron Awiti supported the process, but said that it should be above board and bring in professionals.