Kenya Ships Agents Association

Kenya Ships Agents Association Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Kenya Ships Agents Association, Nonprofit Organization, P. O. BOX 83908, Mombasa.

The Association overall purpose is to promote ethical business and best practice and to facilitate seaborne trade and economic growth in Kenya and the wider East Africa Region.

We joined government officials and industry leaders in logistics at in Nairobi to explore the developments shaping tra...
03/08/2026

We joined government officials and industry leaders in logistics at in Nairobi to explore the developments shaping trade and supply chains today, and the key factors driving success in shipping, among them efficiency, predictability, speed, and volume.

Speaking at the event, KSAA representative Mr Elijah Mbaru EM said:

"To keep cargo moving, you need high container utilisation, real-time data visibility, and fast asset turnaround. Fewer delays in loading and unloading mean less waiting in port, and more accurate prediction of cargo volumes and shipping schedules reduces the incidence of empty sailings and warehouse bottlenecks. For shipping lines, large-scale, reliable cargo flows are far more valuable than unpredictable small batches."

He added that API integration was the missing link in supply chains; when stores, warehouses, and shipping lines could read the same real-time data, guesswork would be eliminated. Businesses would know exactly where their cargo was at every stage, from port of origin to the customer's door true end-to-end visibility that would make the logistics ecosystem faster, more accurate, and more competitive.

His remarks echoed the conference's broader call for a logistics ecosystem that champions speed, accuracy, and connectivity, ranging from reducing checkpoints to financing crucial infrastructure.

"Our strength has always come from our membership. To every member who has trusted, participated in, and contributed to ...
28/07/2026

"Our strength has always come from our membership. To every member who has trusted, participated in, and contributed to KSAA, this milestone is yours."

Today marks a milestone close to our hearts: 55 years of the Kenya Ships Agents Association proudly serving as the unified voice of Kenya's maritime industry.

Since 1971, we have grown, evolved, and navigated every tide alongside our members, the true backbone of this journey. This achievement belongs as much to you as it does to us.

Here's to five decades of trust, partnership, and shared purpose and to many more years ahead, anchoring trade and shaping the future of shipping in Kenya.

The Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) is proud to participate in the ongoing Tripartite National Workshop on the Eff...
22/07/2026

The Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) is proud to participate in the ongoing Tripartite National Workshop on the Effective Implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), currently underway at Travellers Beach Hotel. The workshop is organized in partnership with the International Labour Organization and the Kenya Maritime Authority, under the framework of the multi-year project on "Promoting Decent Work in the Maritime Sector."

Our Secretariat is on the ground, engaging alongside government agencies, employers' organizations, seafarers' representatives, and fellow maritime stakeholders in rich discussions on strengthening the implementation of MLC, 2006. The conversations so far have underscored just how vital collaboration is in improving the working and living conditions of our seafarers, and in building a maritime industry that is safe, fair, and sustainable for all.

Speaking at the workshop, KSAA Deputy CEO, Mrs. Aziza Mwanthi , said: "Behind every ship that calls at our ports is a who has spent weeks, sometimes months, at sea away from family and home. Seafarers remain at the core of this conversation their wellbeing, safety, and dignity at work are the very reason MLC 2006 exists''.

KSAA remains committed to standing with our seafarers and ensuring their voices continue to shape how we do business at every Kenyan port.

The Kenya Ships Agents Association, led by Chairman Roger Dainty and CEO Elijah Mbaru EM , recently met with the Kenya P...
21/07/2026

The Kenya Ships Agents Association, led by Chairman Roger Dainty and CEO Elijah Mbaru EM , recently met with the Kenya Ports Authority at Lamu Port. This strategic engagement brought together port leadership, shipping lines, and agents, who serve as the crucial bridge connecting Lamu Port to international cargo markets.

The agenda focused on converting Lamu’s deep-water port and strategic location into long-term commercial growth attracting investment, creating jobs, expanding regional trade, and boosting Kenya’s blue economy and GDP.

Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Roger Dainty highlighted the symbiotic relationship between KPA and KSAA:

"Ports provide the infrastructure, but shipping agents connect that infrastructure to shipowners, cargo interests, and international markets. Continued collaboration between KPA and the shipping lines/agents will be critical in attracting more vessel calls, increasing cargo volumes, and strengthening Kenya’s maritime sector.

For global shipping lines, Lamu presents a compelling value proposition. Equipped with three operational deep-water berths out of a planned 32, the port can accommodate some of the world’s largest vessels. Its strategic position along the Indian Ocean positions it as an ideal transshipment hub connecting Kenya to East and Central Africa, the Horn of Africa, and the Middle East, while serving as an efficient gateway to emerging regional markets.

KSAA CEO Elijah Mbaru observed, while Lamu’s strategic location and deep-water advantage provide a solid foundation, capitalizing on them requires adapting to evolving global trade dynamics from changing supply chains and regulatory shifts to larger vessel sizes. Positioning Lamu as a future-ready hub is the next logical step in unlocking its full potential.

Lamu has shown tremendous growth over the past year; however, to build on this momentum, continuing to enhance port capabilities will be key. Upgrading quay and yard equipment with modern ship-to-shore cranes and advanced cargo-handling machinery will boost operational speed, offering global shipowners the efficiency and turnaround predictability they rely on when planning schedules.

Additionally, synchronizing documentation and clearance processes between Lamu, Mombasa, and inland logistics facilities will create a unified, seamless experience for cargo owners. Further advancing road and rail links under the corridor will extend this reach, allowing shipping agents to issue through bills of lading directly to hinterland and regional markets.

Because maritime transport accounts for roughly 90% of global trade by volume, expanding Lamu’s operational horizon goes beyond port capacity; it directly drives job creation, attracts investment, and strengthens Kenya’s overall supply-chain resilience.

KSAA warmly commends the Kenya Ports Authority for its dedicated leadership, vision, and ongoing investments in operationalizing .

At the Kenya Ships Agents Association, we recognise that skilled professionals are the driving force behind every ship, ...
18/07/2026

At the Kenya Ships Agents Association, we recognise that skilled professionals are the driving force behind every ship, port operation, and cargo movement. Education and training are therefore essential to building a resilient maritime industry.

This commitment was demonstrated at the recent Validation Workshop for the feasibility study on establishing a Regional Maritime University, organised by the Maritime Organisation of Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa (Moesna Secretariat). We joined stakeholders from across the region to assess proposals on governance, financial sustainability, and a practical roadmap for bringing the institution to life.

Speaking at the workshop, CEO Elijah Mbaru EM emphasised the value of regional collaboration. A shared university would allow participating countries to pool resources and provide affordable, world-class training without each nation bearing the cost of developing expensive facilities independently.

He also called for modern educational infrastructure that would enable African seafarers to earn internationally recognised Certificates of Competency (CoCs), expand their career opportunities, and compete confidently on the global stage.

Through these efforts, KSAA is helping shape a stronger and more competitive maritime sector for Kenya and the wider region.

Last week, the Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) participated in the Roundtable on Maritime Commerce at Mombasa's En...
13/07/2026

Last week, the Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) participated in the Roundtable on Maritime Commerce at Mombasa's English Point Marina to tackle the future of African trade.

The CEO Elijah Mbaru highlighted that:

🏗️ Infrastructure Dictates Demand: Shipping accounts for 90% of global trade by volume and 70% by value. Yet, fragmented systems bottleneck our logistics. Because ships follow infrastructure, we must aggressively upgrade both coastal gateways and interior dry ports.

🗺️ Integration Over Geopolitics: Maritime commerce is facing severe obstructions from global geopolitical tensions and complex new regulations. To maintain a seamless cargo flow, regional integration is no longer optional our trade networks must operate as one cohesive ecosystem.

📈 Stop Exporting Raw Wealth: The CEO made a strong case for local value addition. By processing raw materials before they hit the vessels, East African nations can leverage volatile currency exchanges and turn ports into wealth generators rather than mere transit points.

Kenya maritime industry is resilient, but it cannot carry the weight of global trade alone. The future of East African commerce rests on bold infrastructure and unified regional policies.

In line with this year's International Day of the Seafarer theme, "Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks," the Kenya ...
13/07/2026

In line with this year's International Day of the Seafarer theme, "Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks," the Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) joined the global maritime community at the Mission to Seafarers Mombasa to mark Sea Sunday 2026. The event celebrated 105 years of the Mission while honoring the invaluable contributions of seafarers.

The gathering brought together representatives from the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Maritime Authority, WOMESA, Stella Maris, the Anglican Church of Kenya, development partners, and the seafaring community.

Speaking at the event, the KSAA CEO Elijah Mbaru EM appreciated the longstanding partnership between the association and the Mission to Seafarers. He noted that the support extended by shipping lines calling at Kenyan ports through the ships' welfare levy administered by agents has been instrumental in sustaining the Mission's work. Echoing the global theme, he emphasized that while seafarers serve as the backbone of global trade, they are increasingly forced to carry the heavy risks brought about by geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and commercial decisions beyond their control.

The CEO made a strong appeal for the international maritime community to ensure that seafarers are never used as collateral in geopolitical or commercial disputes. He called on global maritime organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), BIMCO, and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), to continue championing improved safety, welfare, and working conditions worldwide.

As global shipping routes face ongoing disruptions, KSAA remains steadfast in advocating for the protection, dignity, and well-being of the resilient workforce keeping international trade moving every day.

Behind every vessel that berths on time, every container that clears without a hitch, and every truck that leaves the po...
08/07/2026

Behind every vessel that berths on time, every container that clears without a hitch, and every truck that leaves the port right on schedule, there's an Operations Manager quietly making it all happen.

Yesterday, we engaged with shipping lines and agents' Operations Managers on key issues affecting cargo movement, including vessel turnaround times, cargo clearance delays, rising operational costs, and the impact of recent regulatory changes within government agencies . The discussions underscored the critical role these stakeholders play in ensuring the efficient flow of cargo through Kenya's ports and supply chains.

Efficient ports require collaboration. That's why KSAA works closely with its's members shipping lines and agents, the port authorities , regulators, and other stakeholders to identify challenges, advocate for practical solutions, and improve the ease of doing business.

Our members are at the heart of Kenya's maritime trade, and we remain committed to supporting them through dialogue, collaboration, and action.

Together, we keep trade moving.

The Kenya Ships Agents Association and the Kenya Ports Authority held their quarterly engagement on 30th June 2026, rea...
01/07/2026

The Kenya Ships Agents Association and the Kenya Ports Authority held their quarterly engagement on 30th June 2026, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing efficiency and service delivery at the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu.

As critical gateways for East and Central African trade, these ports manage significant regional cargo volumes. The Port of Mombasa alone handles approximately 1,955 vessel calls annually averaging 5 to 6 arrivals every day underscoring the vital need for seamless coordination among port stakeholders.

The discussions centred around:
1️⃣ Maximize Berth Capacity: Strict 1–2-hour vessel turnaround windows backed by accurate tracking data.
2️⃣ Streamline Borders: "Smart gates" and regional digital customs systems to end yard congestion.
3️⃣ Maintain Fluidity: Bridging equipment gaps with private prime movers during active machinery upgrades.
4️⃣ Supercharge Rail: Floating key berth concessions directly tied to SGR usage for seamless intermodal cargo movement.

During the session, KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto recognized shipping lines and agents as the Port’s primary customers and key partners in the maritime value chain.

He expressed appreciation for their continued cooperation, noting that strong stakeholder relations are fundamental to driving efficiency and maintaining a customer-centric port environment.

The Chairman of KSAA Roger Dainty and CEO Elijah Mbaru EM appreciated the open dialogue platform, reiterating the association's commitment to working alongside KPA to drive innovation, improve communication, and boost the overall competitiveness of Kenya’s maritime gateways.

Kenya Ship Agents Association (KSAA) joined seafarers, maritime stakeholders, and industry leaders in commemorating the ...
27/06/2026

Kenya Ship Agents Association (KSAA) joined seafarers, maritime stakeholders, and industry leaders in commemorating the Day of the 2026 at an event held at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa, reaffirming collective commitment towards advancing the welfare, safety, and professional development of Kenyan seafarers.

Speaking during the commemoration, KSAA Chief Executive Officer Elijah Mbaru EM reaffirmed the Association's’ continued commitment to the engagement and placement of seafarers, including those currently onboard vessels.

KSAA noted that its members facilitate a significant share of global and national trade, handling 85% of global trade and 90% of national trade.

“The safety and wellbeing of the seafarers is at the top priority of our engagement with industry leaders, currently we stand at head count 2.5 million mariners and we project a demand of over 114,000 seafarers by 2030 and African countries should be ready to fill this gap,” said Mbaru.

He further highlighted the need for increased investment in maritime training, noting that the industry currently has over 56,000 ratings but faces a shortage of approximately 39,000 officers, creating an urgent need to train and develop more qualified maritime professionals to meet future demand.

The event brought together key maritime stakeholders, including Kenya Maritime Authority Director General CPA Omae Nyarandi, who addressed the media during the commemorations, alongside the Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for the Blue Economy, Ibrahim Khamis.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Ms Atie Ramadhan, Secretary General of the Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK), officials from the Mombasa County Department of Blue Economy, and other maritime industry leaders.

Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to seafarer welfare, safety, and professional growth in Kenya’s maritime sector under this year’s theme: “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks.”

Address

P. O. BOX 83908
Mombasa
80100

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 05:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 05:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 05:00
Thursday 08:30 - 05:00
Friday 08:30 - 05:00
Saturday 08:30 - 00:00

Telephone

+254711230675

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kenya Ships Agents Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category