Mombasa, Kenya – The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has earned two international certifications for environmental management and occupational health and safety, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable operations and safe working environments across its port facilities.
The Authority was awarded the ISO 14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management Systems and the ISO 45001:2018 certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
Speaking during the presentation of the certificates in Mombasa, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Esther Ngari said the achievement marked a significant milestone in KPA’s pursuit of operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Ms Ngari said KPA has maintained the ISO 9001 quality management certification since 2010, reflecting more than a decade of commitment to quality service delivery and customer-focused operations.
She said the new certifications demonstrate the Authority’s transition from quality management to an integrated approach that also prioritises environmental stewardship and occupational health and safety.
“Today’s certification to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 represents a natural progression in KPA’s excellence journey,” she said.
According to Ms Ngari, the certifications place KPA among world-class port authorities and strengthen its position as a benchmark for public sector excellence in Kenya and the region.
She noted that improvements in the Port of Mombasa’s management systems would enhance trade facilitation along regional logistics corridors serving Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi.
KPA Managing Director Capt William Ruto said the certifications crown years of reforms, resilience and adaptation aimed at transforming the port into a competitive maritime gateway.
He said the recognition reflects the Authority’s transformation journey over the past decade and acknowledged KEBS for supporting the certification process.
Capt Ruto said the adoption of ISO standards has strengthened institutional systems, improved operational discipline and enhanced the port’s ability to respond to changing operational demands.
“The reforms we are witnessing were driven by the realities KPA faced in the early 2000s, when rising cargo volumes, outdated infrastructure, manual processes and growing safety and environmental risks threatened the port’s ability to evolve into a more resilient and globally competitive maritime gateway,” he said.
The two leaders said the certifications validate reforms undertaken by the Authority while providing a foundation for further improvements at the Port of Mombasa, East and Central Africa’s main maritime gateway.
