KPA intensifies port security measures under ISPS Code

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has ramped up security measures at the Port of Mombasa in line with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This code, implemented since 2004, provides a standardized security protocol for identifying threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and preventing security incidents at ships and port facilities. For KPA, compliance is vital, not merely as a regulatory obligation, but as a cornerstone of the Port of Mombasa's role as an international maritime gateway.

The KPA has recently certified over 40 security officers who successfully completed security awareness training at the port. This training included practical drills aimed at testing preparedness, enhancing operational knowledge, and empowering personnel to detect and manage security deficiencies. Tony Kibwana, KPA Manager for Security Services, emphasized that maintaining compliance with the ISPS Code is crucial for safeguarding port operations and ensuring the preparedness of security personnel to respond to emerging threats. He stressed that security is integral to port operations, not an isolated aspect.

Regular training, exercises, and assessments ensure that security personnel can effectively implement established procedures in real-world situations. These drills are integral to KPA's continuous preparedness strategy, enabling personnel to assess their response capabilities and pinpoint areas for improvement. The ISPS Code, established under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), mandates a set of security measures and procedures for ships and port facilities against potential threats.

For a critical gateway like the Port of Mombasa, compliance extends beyond certification; it fortifies the security and resilience of the entire maritime supply chain, thereby sustaining the uninterrupted flow of trade into Kenya and the broader region.

KPA reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing security awareness, personnel competence, and preparedness across its ports as part of its commitment to international maritime security standards and to preserving the Port of Mombasa as a secure and dependable hub for global trade.