The Kenya Ports Authority has said port operations will continue as normal, despite a scale down in economic activity, brought about by the COVID-19 mitigation measures – By Gerald Gekara.
In a public notice to the dailies, Acting KPA director general Rashid Salim said services would continue as usual, with strict adherence to COVID-19 Protocols provided to by the Ministry of Health.
“We wish to notify and assure you that as an essential service provider, the Port will continue with its operations uninterrupted 24/7. As we discharge these critical services, we are also continually making deliberate efforts to implement measures aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in line with the Ministry of Health’s stringent directives and guidelines.”
KPA said the ports have handled 130,542 containers in the month of February 2021, as opposed to 108,956 registered over the same period in 2020.
“This significant growth of 19.81% was occasioned by improved performance in all categories of cargo.” KPA added.
COVID-19 hit world trade after an already weak 2019, in which global maritime trade lost further momentum as trade tensions continued to bite.
To cope with pandemic-related disruptions, players in the maritime sector adjusted their operations, finances, sanitary and safety protocols as well as working practices and procedures.
In addition, several governments, through their border agencies, port authorities and customs administrations, made reforms to keep trade flowing while keeping people safe.
