Kenya Ships Agents Association

01/06/2026

Happy 63rd Madaraka Day! Celebrating freedom, unity, and the progress of our nation.

27/05/2026

19/05/2026

The fight against illicit trade and counterfeit goods requires stronger collaboration, smarter technology, and greater transparency across the global supply chain.

Today, KSAA CEO Elijah Mbaru EM represented the Kenya Ship Agents Association at the Multi-Agency Task Force on the Elimination of Illicit Trade and Counterfeits, where stakeholders discussed practical solutions aimed at strengthening cargo security and enhancing trade compliance.

Key discussions focused on the importance of enhanced customer verification (KYC), improved data sharing among supply chain participants, adoption of AI and IoT-driven cargo screening technologies, deployment of smart container security sensors, and stronger profiling systems supported by global customs data. The session also emphasized compliance with IMO regulations, the development of integrated port community systems to improve visibility, and continuous training with international bodies such as WCO (World Customs Organization) and WSC (World Shipping Council) to help curb malpractice.

These collaborative efforts are vital in safeguarding international trade, protecting consumers, and strengthening the integrity, security, and efficiency of our ports and logistics systems.

12/05/2026

The Kenya Ships Agents Association participated in the Public–Private Dialogue on Skills, Jobs, and Competitiveness in Kenya’s Coast Region held on 7 May 2026 in Mombasa. Represented by CEO Mr. Elijah Mbaru EM, KSAA joined stakeholders from the maritime, transport, and logistics sectors to discuss skills development, job creation, and industry competitiveness.

The dialogue, organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Youth Employment Kenya and TVET Project and led by Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary for TVET, focused on aligning training with industry needs and preparing students for both local and global employment opportunities.

Discussions highlighted the Coast Region’s strategic role in the blue economy, maritime services, transport, logistics, tourism, manufacturing, and construction, and emphasized the need to equip students with globally competitive, work-ready skills.

Speaking during the forum, Mr. Elijah Mbaru stressed the importance of simulation-based maritime training, digital competencies, technical expertise, and hands-on experience that reflect current global industry standards and emerging technologies. He noted that employers today are looking beyond certificates and increasingly value practical skills, adaptability, professionalism, and international competence.

Mr. Mbaru further called for stronger collaboration between industry players and training institutions to ensure programmes are market-driven and capable of producing graduates who can compete effectively in the global job market.

KSAA welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting skills development partnerships that prepare Kenyan students for sustainable careers in the regional and international maritime, shipping, transport, and logistics sectors.

10/05/2026

Do you know why it’s called a “mother vessel”?

It’s called a “mother” vessel because it acts like a base or carrier that holds, supplies, guides, and supports smaller vessels.
In container shipping, a mother vessel is the large main container ship that carries huge numbers of containers between major international ports, while smaller feeder vessels depend on it for transport and connection.

Just like mothers in our lives strong enough to carry so much, yet caring enough to support everyone around them.

to all the true mother vessels of the world.

06/05/2026

The CEO of the Kenya Ships Agents Association , Elijah Mbaru , held a strategic meeting with Harbour Master Captain Patrick Onyango of the Port of Mombasa to discuss key measures aimed at improving vessel turnaround times, enhancing communication, and ensuring safe and efficient port operations.

The meeting emphasized the need to strike a balance between efficient commercial activity and strict adherence to environmental and security standards, ensuring that every vessel enters, operates within, and departs the port safely.

Both leaders highlighted the critical role of coordinated ship movement management from pilotage and tug assistance to berthing and departure procedures in maintaining full compliance with international maritime safety and environmental regulations.
Discussions also focused on the need to upgrade and modernize port infrastructure, including mooring systems, fenders, bollards, and cable tagging systems, to support safer and faster docking operations.

Additionally, they explored ways to strengthen coordination between shipping agents and port authorities to improve scheduling, reduce vessel congestion, and promote the adoption of smart port technologies for better data integration, real-time monitoring, and overall traffic management.

Strengthening Kenya’s port efficiency, safety, and global competitiveness in maritime trade remains essential to the country’s economic growth.

12/04/2026

The Kenya Ship Agents Association (KSAA) participated in the Regional Single Window Conference held in Nairobi, convened by Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) in partnership with African Alliance for Electronic Commerce.

The conference brought together delegates from across Africa to accelerate digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat , following the milestone of intra-African trade reaching approximately USD 220 billion in 2024.

KSAA notes that despite this progress, intra-African trade still accounts for only 12–14% of total trade, largely due to high logistics costs, border inefficiencies, and fragmented systems. As key stakeholders in maritime logistics and trade facilitation, ship agents play a critical role in bridging these gaps.

The conference emphasized the urgent need for digitalization through interconnected Single Window Systems. Kenya’s National Electronic Single Window has already demonstrated significant success by reducing documentation burdens, lowering trade costs, and enhancing transparency and efficiency. We further recognize the importance of streamlining port and shipping processes through digital platforms, as well as strengthening collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders to improve overall trade facilitation

As an active stakeholder, KSAA reaffirms its commitment to working with partners ,trade facilitation agencies to advance efficient, transparent, and competitive maritime logistics in Kenya and the region.

05/04/2026

Happy Easter!

04/04/2026

Kenya Ports Authority