The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto has lauded the Authority’s indoor sports teams for their impressive performances at regional and continental levels, reaffirming KPA’s commitment to sports development as a key pillar of its broader business strategy.
Speaking during a meeting with KPA’s volleyball and basketball teams, Capt. Ruto said excellence at the Port of Mombasa must be matched by excellence on the court, describing sports as a powerful tool for projecting the Authority’s values beyond trade and logistics.
"Just as we pursue world-class standards in port performance, let’s apply the same ambition to sports. We are not settling for less. KPA must win,” said Capt. Ruto.
The meeting was held a day after the Managing Director announced KPA’s record-breaking cargo performance for 2025, with cargo volumes reaching historic highs.
This time, however, the focus shifted indoors to athletes who, he said, were proudly representing both KPA and Kenya on regional and international stages.
Capt. Ruto congratulated the KPA women’s basketball team after they were crowned league champions, while the men’s basketball team finished runners-up ahead of the new season set to tip off in February.
He also praised the women’s team for their recent heroics in continental competitions, including notable performances in FIBA tournaments.
The KPA men’s volleyball team also finished runners-up in the league, with both volleyball and basketball squads registering strong performances in the local competitions.
“You are not just representing yourselves. Some of you come from across this region. You are carrying the region, the country and the KPA badge,” Capt. Ruto said, noting the presence of professional players from both East and West Africa within the teams.
He explained that KPA’s growing regional footprint in sports mirrors its expanding business reach, adding that the Authority is deliberately scaling beyond traditional Eastern African markets as part of its long-term strategic positioning.
Capt. Ruto emphasized that sports development aligns directly with KPA’s core objectives of efficiency, competitiveness and performance, warning that underperforming structures would not be protected.
"Performance, not sentiment, will guide our decisions,” he said, confirming the disbandment of the KPA football committee following poor results.
"KPA is known to be attractive. We have everything it takes to scout for the best,” he added. “I know you are the best, but the reality is we must keep raising the bar.”
The Managing Director assured athletes of full institutional backing, placing player welfare at the centre of his leadership agenda.
“When I make a promise, you know I always deliver because what is important to me is your welfare. I have therefore committed myself to fully support you,” he said.
While congratulating the teams on their achievements, Capt. Ruto challenged the volleyball squads to improve their results going forward, reiterating that silverware not participation remains the benchmark.
“As KPA, we perform at the port. We must also perform in sport,” he emphasized.
The meeting was attended by the teams’ leadership, led by Manager Administration Ms. Catherine Wangari, as KPA continues to position sports as both a performance platform and a soft power tool that reinforces its brand and community impact.
