The Mombasa Suppliers Association has voiced strong support for the government’s recent decision to allocate KSh 41 billion for expanding the Port of Mombasa, calling it a vital move to address mounting trade pressure and congestion at Kenya’s key maritime gateway.
According to the association Chairman Evans Momanyi, the expansion will improve efficiency, reduce delays in cargo handling, and lower costs for importers and exporters.
"This is a great move from our government, this will not only create jobs and other opportunities to our people including suppliers but also continue positioning our port at the international level." said Momanyi.
Adding " All that we are requesting for now from our president is to please make sure that the tenure of the current Managing Director Captain William Ruto is extended so as to ensure that he sees through this plan and continue implementing the good projects as he has been doing."
On his part Julius Musyoki,a representative of persons with disabilities at the association lauded the government for implementing several developement projects in Mombasa especially the newly launched Mombasa commuter rail service.
"In the past we used to face alot of difficulties on how to access the standard gauge railway station in Miritini but thank God that the government has now listened to our cry." said Musyoki.
Concerning the port expansion plan Kamau noted "We pray that this will also be another opportunity for persons living with disabilities to get jobs through the different opportunities that will come up from the expansion."
Speaking on Wednesday during the official launch of the Mombasa commuter rail service, President William Ruto said that the government has allocated Sh41 billion to expand the port of Mombasa in a bid to ease congestion and accommodate rising cargo volumes driven by growing trade.
The President also revealed that a new yard would be constructed before the end of the year to manage additional cargo.
"The government has committed Ksh41 billion to expand the Port of Mombasa, making it more efficient, bigger, and better,” the President stated.
