-But Earlier in the week,Trade representatives from Metro Cement Uganda meets KPA Managing Director Captain Ruto;
-As Lamu Port now ripe for more regional investments after Ethiopia confirms readiness to begin operations at the facility;
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS;
There was a beehive of activities as Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) welcomed MV Logos Hope which sailed through the kilindini channel to dock at the Mbaraki wharf within the port in Mombasa County.
On her maiden call, MV Logos comes to the East African Coast after an 18 year hiatus following a visit by a sister vessel MV Dulos in 2005.
She will open her doors to members of the public to select books of their choice from the wide array of genres including science, sports, hobbies, language, faith, cookery arts and medicine for purchase.
For 45 days starting Thursday, August, 24th, members of the public will be treated to fun of touring the expansive vessel to explore other amenities like the international café, visitors’ deck, welcome area among others with an entrance fee of fifty shillings only (Ksh.50).
Sailing under Malta flag, MV. Logos Hope has a length overall of 132.5 meters, width of 20.8, a draft of 5.2 meters and a carrying capacity of 12,519 Gross Tons. Onboard the vessel are 350 passengers of 65 different Nationalities.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto in a statement hailed the visit to the port of Mombasa by MV Logos Hope saying it denotes Kenya’s progress towards reclaiming her position as a cruise hub in the Indian Ocean cruise circuit.
This is her maiden call to the Port of Mombasa from Seychelles featuring the floating library with over 5000 books of different genres aboard and members of the public will get an opportunity to tour the vessel and purchase the many books on offer.
Earlier in the week, Trade representatives from Metro Cement Uganda, key players in the cement manufacturing sector, extended a warm courtesy call to Captain William Ruto, the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The delegation took this opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions focused on strengthening trade relationships and fostering business collaborations.
The representatives led by Mohamed Ameer CEO Metro Cement expressed their admiration for the efficient services provided by the Authority.
During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of efficient trade and logistics operations in driving regional economic growth.
The meeting provided an opportunity to explore strategies for optimizing the import of clinker, a key ingredient in cement manufacturing, through the Port of Mombasa.
The delegation expressed their commitment to strengthening the trade network between their respective companies and Kenya and leveraging the strategic position of the Port to facilitate the smooth flow of clinker imports.
Captain Ruto, in response to the visit, stated, “I appreciate the visit from the representatives of Metro Cement Uganda. The Kenya Ports Authority is dedicated to facilitating seamless trade and fostering strong partnerships with esteemed organizations in the industry. We are committed to optimizing our facilities to meet the unique needs of our partners.”
Captain Ruto added, “When you grow, we grow. This collaboration signifies the spirit of mutual benefit and shared prosperity that drives our efforts at the Kenya Ports Authority. As we work together to optimize trade and streamline logistics, we create a foundation for collective advancement and success.”
Elsewhere in the week, The Port of Lamu is said to be ripe for more regional investments as theG confirms readiness to begin operations at the facility.
In the final leg of their port facilities tour in the country, Ethiopian Minister for Transport and Logistics H.E Dr. Alemu Sime together with his delegation engaged KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto on the need to expedite completion of supportive infrastructure to be able to fully utilize the port.
Captain Ruto who confirmed Ethiopia’s position as a major partner in the Lapsset project reiterated KPA’s plans to adequately equip the facility for full cargo handling operations. The second transport corridor will also serve the transit markets of Ethiopia and South Sudan thereby increasing trade among the neighboring countries.
H.E Dr. Alemu Sime also confirmed that a Joint corridor management committee incorporating a team from Ethiopia and Kenya will be formed to identify challenges encountered with the Lapsset project implementation to be able to find common solutions for speedy completion.
With a population of approximately 130 million, Ethiopia has seen increased cargo volumes and is seeking to diversify the use of port facilities in the East and Horn of Africa to facilitate the movement of its Exports and Imports.
ENDS;
