South Korea Commits to Support for KPA's Port Modernisation Programme

Kenya, July 28, 2026 - South Korea has reaffirmed its support for the Kenya Ports Authority's (KPA) port modernisation programme through technology transfer, infrastructure development and capacity building as the Authority accelerates its digital transformation agenda.

  The commitments were made on Tuesday during a meeting between the Republic of Korea's Ambassador to Kenya, Kang Hyung-shik, and KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto, where the two discussed expanding collaboration in the maritime sector.

 South Korea specifically noted that it will support the authority by sharing advanced port technologies, digital solutions, and best practices in maritime operations.

“Ambassador Kang said the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries continued to create opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure development, innovation and knowledge exchange,” the authority stated.

“The meeting builds on the growing economic partnership between Kenya and South Korea, following President William Ruto's 2024 State Visit to Seoul, which focused on expanding trade, investment and technology cooperation,” it added.

  Ruto maintained that the authority will continue to strengthen collaboration with leading Korean ports to accelerate digitalisation, improve service delivery, and enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Mombasa as the preferred gateway to East and Central Africa.

“Captain Ruto welcomed the continued partnership, saying KPA has benefited from strong relationships with Korean shipping lines, logistics firms and maritime stakeholders that have facilitated growth in international trade through the Port of Mombasa,” the authority stated.

 This comes as KPA seeks to strengthen partnerships to improve port efficiency, particularly at the Port of Mombasa, to support growing trade volumes and enhance service delivery for importers, exporters and other port users.

Recently, KPA and the Kenya Revenue Authority committed to jointly focus on automation data sharing and the harmonization of operational processes to eliminate bottlenecks, facilitate seamless cargo movement, reduce delays and enhance service delivery for importers, exporters and other port users.

 The commitment was made on Monday after KRA Commissioner General Adan Mohamed and KPA Chief Executive Officer Capt. William Ruto met to deliberate on the issues.

 Among the ongoing infrastructure modernization projects at the Port of Mombasa are the Smart Gates system, which will automate truck identification and verification, speed up cargo clearance processes and reduce truck turnaround times.