The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) officially rolled out the UNCTAD TrainForTrade Modern Port Management Programme in Kilifi County on 12 October 2026.

KPA chief executive Captain William Ruto said eight senior managers have already completed the training, with a further 38 participants scheduled to attend.

The programme, delivered under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) TrainForTrade initiative, aims to improve operational efficiency, boost regional trade and create jobs for young Kenyans on the Coast.

UNCTAD trainer Mark Assaf highlighted that the initiative could unlock significant economic potential across Kenya and the wider continent.

At the same event, KPA announced that construction of Berth 19B at the Port of Mombasa is 56 percent complete and will add 300,000 TEUs of handling capacity when finished.

Ruto also reported that the port component of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone is 23 percent complete, while associated road works have reached 58 percent, easing congestion around the port.

With the Christmas peak season approaching, KPA is mobilising additional staff and machinery to handle an expected surge in cargo volumes.

The authority is finalising a smart‑gate system to automate truck processing, with a projected launch within two to three weeks.

Ministry of Transport officials, including Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar and Director Pius Kaura, attended the launch and noted the broadened scope of modern port management.