The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) new Board of Directors was launched on Monday by Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport, and Public Works.

Speaking at the occasion at the KPA headquarters in Mombasa, Murkomen gave the Board the responsibility of selecting the new Managing Director through an open, competitive procedure.

In the process of selecting the new CEO to succeed, Ambassador John Mwangemi has served in the position in an acting capacity since January 2021. He warned the Board against any outside political meddling.

Murkomen instructed the Board to select the next MD by April 1, 2023, and he forbade any partiality or outside involvement.

Murkomen asked the Board to move swiftly, start the process, and present the names to him for approval.

He also said that he would ensure a smooth transition of the appointees.

Murkomen offered the selection committee one week to review the applications and produce a shortlist before the interviews could start.

The Board was also responsible for coordinating other significant port infrastructure projects, such as the completion of the remaining berths at the Lamu port and the actualization of the Mombasa Port Special Economic Zone.

Murkomen urged the board members to cooperate to increase port efficiency and pledged not to obstruct their work or issue unauthorized instructions.

The CS highlighted his displeasure with the organizational structure of KPA and stated that the Ministry would soon start a process to align functions with increasing the port's competitiveness.

He mentioned that the 1979 KPA Act would be reviewed by his Ministry so that it might be in line.

Further, he said the Ministry will review the 1979 KPA Act to align with modern business models to transform the port into a Maritime Hub in East Africa.

Gen. (Rtd) Joseph Kibwana was recently replaced as Chairman of the KPA Board of Directors by Benjamin Tayari, a former Kinango MP.

The new board members are Emmanuel Kibet, Njoki Maina, Musa Osman, Consolata Lusweti, and Lucas Maitha.