The government has rewarded the Port of Mombasa workers for their remarkable performance in the year 2020/2021.
Speaking during the ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Roads Kipchumba Murkomen said that this is a move by the government to appreciate workers’ efforts towards making Mombasa Port a world-class port of choice and growing other ports.
Murkomen said that over the years, the government has implemented several reforms aimed at improving public service delivery.
He said a modern and result-focused public service has been recognised as a prerequisite for the country’s socio-economic transformation as envisaged under Vision 2030.
“Key among the elements of a sound public service is deepening performance management so that both rewards and sanctions are used to encourage the provision of quality services,” he said.
He said performance contracting is an accountability tool for measuring performance in service delivery against negotiated targets.
KPA signed the performance contract for FY 2020–2021 with the government through the Ministry of Transport.
The CS noted that KPA attained an overall rating of very good, with a composite score of 2.9752 points.
“Owing to this great performance, the government has approved a bonus payment of a one-month basic salary to each employee as a gesture of appreciation and to motivate staff to strive for higher levels of performance in the future,” he said.
He noted that KPA plays a critical role in national development, adding that it serves as a gateway for international trade, facilitating the movement of goods and connecting Kenya to the global market.
He urged the employees to remain faithful to the blueprint, which is Strategic Plan 2023/2024-2027/2028, which outlines a clear roadmap to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability of the port.
“By streamlining port operations, reducing logistics costs, and improving the overall efficiency of cargo handling, you will be helping us reduce the cost of living for our people because the cost of goods and services has a direct impact on the daily lives of Kenyans,” he said.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said that the efficiency of the port has begun to attract new key players in the maritime and shipping line space.
Ruto said the port of Mombasa has adequately prepared to counter some of the challenges occasioned by economic dynamics and congestion caused by the expansion of key berths at the port and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, which has seen them operate at optimum levels.
By Chari Suche
