KPA boss urges rail agencies across Africa to align their operations for improved cargo movement.
by Blue Africa News
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto is advocating for meaningful collaboration and seamless integrated transport systems as a sure bet for the African continent to realise a resilient economic future.
Delivering a keynote speech during the recent Ports and Rail Week 2025 Durban, South Africa, Ruto drew inspiration from the global perspective, stating that enhanced seamless connectivity within the trade corridors offers optimal solutions to unlock transport costs, foster efficiency and promote regional integration.
Themed “Bringing Ports and Rail Under One Roof,” the two-day conference brought together global industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, with a major focus on key issues that shape the future of Africa’s transportation systems and the development of major corridors.
Captain Ruto said port and rail agencies across Africa should align their operations for improved cargo movement, as a gesture toward unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“At KPA we are committed to investing in seamless port operations focusing on facilitating smoother cargo movement through railway integration,” he said.
In her address, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Acting Chief Executive, Advocate Modjadji Phyllis Difeto, said provision of sustainable port infrastructure plays a crucial role in driving South Africa’s industrial and economic growth.
She used the opportunity to share the progress made in improving port efficiencies at the country’s commercial seaports.
Difeto highlighted increase in marine fleet availability to above 90%, the acquisition of a tug board and the operationalisation of hydraulic tension units to stabilise operations as some of the progress made in recent years.
Key developments aimed at easing congestion at the Ports of Durban and Richards Bay, she said, include the establishment of truck staging areas and the rehabilitation of crucial port roads.
“TNPA is committed to providing port infrastructure to support various sectors of the South African economy. In the next five years (2025 -2030), TNPA has injected R14billion for its capital investment program,” added the Chief Executive.
Organisers of the annual event say Ports and Rail Week is a high-level, pan-African conference and exhibition dedicated to enhancing the performance, interconnectivity, and resilience of Africa’s transport and logistics corridors.
The platform brings together stakeholders from the maritime and rail transport sectors to explore innovations, infrastructure investments, and public-private partnerships critical to the modernisation and integration of port and rail systems across the continent.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News