KPA steps up port security measures to boost safety of Mombasa port

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has intensified implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code to strengthen security at the Port of Mombasa and safeguard the movement of international maritime trade.

The ISPS Code, which came into force in 2004, provides a common international framework for identifying security threats, assessing vulnerabilities and preventing incidents involving ships and port facilities.

For KPA, compliance with the code is critical to maintaining the Port of Mombasa as a secure and reliable maritime gateway for Kenya and the region.

The authority recently awarded certificates to more than 40 security officers who completed security awareness training at the Port of Mombasa.

The training included practical security drills aimed at testing the officers’ preparedness, improving their operational knowledge and strengthening their ability to identify and address security gaps.

KPA Manager of Security Services Tony Kibwana said compliance with the ISPS Code was central to protecting port operations and ensuring security personnel remained prepared to respond to emerging threats.

“Security is not separate from port operations. It is one of the conditions that makes those operations possible. Our continued compliance with the ISPS Code demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a secure environment for ships, cargo, employees and other port users,” Kibwana said.

He said regular training, exercises and assessments were important in ensuring security personnel could translate established procedures into effective action.

The practical drills also enabled the officers to test their response capabilities and identify areas that require improvement.

The ISPS Code was established under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and provides mandatory international requirements for enhancing the security of ships and port facilities.

It requires port facilities to maintain appropriate security measures, procedures and trained personnel capable of responding to identified risks.

For the Port of Mombasa, which serves as a major gateway for Kenya and neighbouring countries, compliance with the international security framework is critical to the resilience of the wider maritime supply chain.

A secure port also supports the confidence of shipping lines, cargo owners and trading partners that depend on uninterrupted movement of goods through the facility.

KPA said it will continue strengthening security awareness, personnel competence and preparedness across its facilities as it works to maintain international maritime security standards.