The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) TrainForTrade Modern Port Management Programme was launched to equip Kenyan port managers with skills to handle shifting global trade patterns and supply‑chain disruptions.

Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar said modern ports must function as integrated trade gateways linking shipping, road, rail, customs and industrial zones to reap benefits from expanding regional commerce.

Daghar stressed that infrastructure investment alone would not make Kenya competitive without professionals capable of managing increasingly complex logistics systems.

He linked efficient ports to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that trade agreements must be supported by reliable sea freight, faster customs clearance and strong road‑rail connections.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) chief executive William Ruto said the programme will improve operational planning, decision‑making and customer service as cargo volumes grow and the port network expands.

Eight senior managers have already completed parts of the training, and a further 38 participants are slated to join, with the aim of cascading knowledge to other staff.

Ruto highlighted continued growth in cargo throughput and container traffic at the Port of Mombasa, underscoring the need for managers who can boost efficiency and maintain competitiveness.

He also noted opportunities at the Port of Lamu and other KPA facilities for logistics, industrial and energy projects that will require specialised management skills.

KPA board chairman Ahmed Muktar said employee development is essential to ensure that investments in infrastructure, equipment and technology deliver expected results.

UNCTAD’s Mark Assaf, head of the Human Resource Development Section, affirmed Kenya’s workforce and port infrastructure can support further growth, but staff must keep pace with industry changes, especially digital transformation.

Assaf added that leveraging existing capacity could help Kenya attract international business and expand into markets beyond Africa, such as Asia and Latin America.

The programme will also draw on experiences from other UNCTAD TrainForTrade participants, facilitating exchange of best practices and collaborative solutions to operational challenges.