Ferry users come out of Mv Jambo at Likoni Channel in Mombasa. A similar Ferry, M.V Safari lost control before detaining Ferry users for more than 6 hours. 11th January 2021.[Omondi Onyango,Standard]. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Ferry users come out of Mv Jambo at Likoni Channel in Mombasa. A similar Ferry, M.V Safari lost control…
Author: By Patrick Beja
A section of containers at the Port of Mombasa. March 3, 2025. [Omondi Onyango] The Port of Mombasa has maintained Uganda as its leading transit market despite competition from the nearby Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania. Last year, Ugandan cargo accounted for 65.7 per cent of Mombasa’s transit market. Data from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) shows Mombasa processed 8.81 million tonnes of Ugandan cargo. However, it represents a decline from the 70 per cent share of the port’s transit market that Uganda held in the previous year. This decrease is attributed to the increasing volume of cargo originating from…
Shipping and Maritime Affairs PS Aden Abdi Millah says Kenya seeks to contribute to maritime policy development in advancing sustainable and innovative solutions. [File, Standard] Kenya has shifted its focus to maintaining leadership of a cluster of maritime nations after its fight for the top slot at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) flopped. The country launched its candidacy for re-election to the IMO council under category (C) for the biennium 2026-2027 during the 134th session slated for December 3 this year. Shipping and Maritime Affairs Principal Secretary Aden Millah said that if re-elected, Kenya will contribute to maritime policy development…
H.E Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an inspection tour of ongoing works at the Shimoni Fish Port in Kwale county accompanied by Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Ali Hassan Joho. [Courtesy] Fisherfolk and traders will have to wait up to six months to use the recently completed Sh2.6 billion Shimoni Fish Port in Kwale’s Lunga Lunga Sub-County. This is as the government seeks a private entity to operate the facility, which was handed over to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) last week by Mombasa-based Southern Engineering Company (Seco). Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for…
Some of dug shallow trenches filled with oil at Kiboko water catchment area, Makueni County where oil spill occurred along the newly opened 48 billion Mombasa-Nairobi Kenya Pipeline. [Courtesy] A recent study has identified the Kenya–Tanzania border as one of seven hotspot areas for oil pollution from ships operating in the region’s waters of the Indian Ocean. The study by the Indian Ocean Commission states that the area in the Western Indian Ocean is vulnerable because of its proximity to the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Subscribe…
When former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho shook hands with President William Ruto after he was sworn in as the Cabinet Secretary for Mining. [PCS] The shifting sands of Coast politics are redefining old loyalties, with Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho now at the forefront of President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign—while Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, a former Ruto ally, has emerged as one of the regime’s harshest critics. Joho, who previously lambasted Ruto during the 2022 campaigns, is now backing his re-election bid alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, marking a striking departure from their past stance. In contrast, Ali—also known…
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta during a tour of the Associated Vehicle Assemblers in Miritini, Mombasa County on December 15, 2020. [File, Standard] The local automotive assembly sector is headed for a boom following continued government incentives, a thriving construction sector and a raft of other favourable factors. Industry players say that the 10 per cent Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) lending rates, a strong shilling, growing agribusiness, and inter-Africa trade could aid the sector’s growth. Isuzu East Africa managing director Rita Kavashe said on Monday that locally produced vehicles have grown at 85 per cent compared to imported vehicles. She…
Imported vehicles at Canon Motors in Mombasa. [File Courtesy, Standard] Importers of used cars are concerned about the possible rise of taxes on imported used cars effective July 1 this year, following the publication of a new Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) list by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). The importers noted that if KRA went ahead to implement the new valuation rates, the volumes of imports of such vehicles that have become popular with low- and middle-income earners will decline, and hence reduce revenue collection from the sector. According to the dealers, it was wrong for KRA and its…
Some of the boats used in Lake Victoria. [James Omoro, Standard] A report on the census conducted by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) in Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties indicates that 16,225 different types of vessels operate on the lake. The report compiled in March this year established that Homa Bay has 6,955 vessels, Siaya 5,142, Kisumu 1,470, Busia 1,368 and Migori 1,290. The data indicated that fishing vessels constitute the majority of the total fleet, underscoring the lake’s role as a primary fishing ground. According to the report, ownership in terms of gender shows that males dominate across…
A cargo Ship wait for offloading at Mombasa Port. April 17, 2025. [Omondi Onyango, Standard] Experts are burning the midnight oil to ensure the country gets justice in the new maritime environmental policies ahead of 2028. The guidelines on greenhouse gas emissions from ships are expected to come into force in three years. The experts are concerned that many ships might fail to comply with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards on fuel and hence stop operations, leading to a disruption in the supply chain. This could affect the import and export of the food, among other items, causing a…
The newly acquired ship-to-shore gantry cranes being offloaded at the Port of Lamu.[Kelvin Karani, Standard] The Port of Mombasa is approaching its capacity limits while the Port of Lamu remains underutilised due to poor hinterland connectivity, a report by an employers’ lobby group states. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters Already a subscriber? Log in The newly acquired ship-to-shore gantry cranes being offloaded at the Port of Lamu.[Kelvin Karani, Standard] Published Date: 2025-05-22 06:00:00 Author: By Patrick…
Federation of Kenya Employers Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo addresses the Press in Nairobi, on January 24, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard] The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has decried the high tax burden that has affected businesses and forced companies to lay off thousands of workers. FKE Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo said that in the Coast region several firms closed down due to high operational costs, leading to the loss of about 5,000 jobs. Speaking during the FKE Coast branch annual general meeting at a Mombasa hotel on Thursday, Mugo proposed a reduction of the housing levy and the Social Health…
Elizabeth Luvuno on a boat that landed with dagaa at Kibuyunu village in Kwale County. [Levis Musumba/Standard] Kenya’s efforts to exploit opportunities in the blue economy sector have received a major boost following the arrival of a Norwegian fish stocks research ship at the port of Mombasa. The scientific vessel christened Dr Friddtjof Nansen is operated by the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research and is equipped with seven state-of-the-art laboratories onboard. The vessel that supports scientific programmes has completed the Kenyan leg of the research cruise that was undertaken between April 24 and to May 5, this year. Built in 2016, it…
The proposed EPR levy will affect products packaged in nylon, including diapers, detergents, fabric softeners and sanitary towels [FIle. Standard] Several business associations have petitioned the government over a new levy targeting waste management from their operations. The groups argue that the levy, introduced under the Sustainable Waste Management (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations, 2024, will drive up consumer prices due to the high cost of compliance. The proposed EPR levy is expected to affect products packaged in nylon, including diapers, detergents, fabric softeners and sanitary towels. The levy is scheduled to take effect later this month. The regulation requires affected…
Institute of Internal Auditors Chairperson Lilian Wangeci presents an award of special recognition to Sammy Kimunguyi on Internal Auditor General Treasury during the 2nd Internal Audit and Risk Awards gala dinner at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi, on April 12, 2025. [David Gichuru, Standard] Internal auditors have been challenged to take up strategic advisor role in the respective organisations that they serve. Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya (IAK) board of governors chairperson Lilian Mwangi said the new global standards require that internal auditors evolve to strategic advisors instead of only ensuring compliance in the firms they work for. “Internal auditors should…
CS, Education, Julius Migos, during the Capacity Building Workshop for TVET Leaders at Pride Inn Beach Hotel, Mombasa. April 23, 2025 . [Omondi Onyango, Standard] The government’s push to raise the enrolment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions has borne fruit after the numbers recently rose from 375,000 to 600,000. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said they were carrying out a sensitisation campaign with a multi-agency team, including the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), to achieve its two million target. He said the mindset that TVET programmes are for those who failed to secure university places was…
Kenya Ports Authority Chairman Benjamin Tayari (left) and Managing Director William Ruto during the launch of KPA Strategic plan 2023/24–2027/28 at Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa. [File, Standard] A section of Mijikenda elders have alleged a scheme by some Coast politicians to kick out Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) board chairman Benjamin Tayari. The elders defended Mr Tayari and KPA Managing Director William Ruto, saying they should be retained because they have improved port business and working environment. Led by Patrick Mangale and Daniel Kitsao, the community elders appealed to President William Ruto to retain the duo for the growth of…
Containers at the Port of Mombasa. March 3,2025 [Omondi Onyango,Standard] Most containers used to import cargo through major Kenyan ports are contaminated and pose health risks to consumers, a new survey shows. The study done by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) between 2019 and 2022 at the Port of Mombasa and five border points was meant to determine the level of phytosanitary risks posed by the sea container pathway in Kenya. It was also meant to estimate the nature and level of bio-contamination in sea containers handled in the country, and establish the effectiveness of the CTU Code in dealing…
A past graduation ceremony at Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa. [File, Standard] It is now two weeks since students at Kenya’s premier maritime training institute – Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA)- were sent home indefinitely following unrest. Maritime state agencies tried to stamp out students’ protests at the maritime training institution in Mombasa, promising to also push for the issuance of Seafarers Identity Document (SID). However, the students will wait to be called back later after paralysing learning for a week. The agencies led by the maritime industry regular, Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) pledged to address several grievances that led to…
Activist Phyllis Omido (centre) with Owino Uhuru residents outside the Mombasa High Court in Mombasa County on Thursday 16th May 2018. An application from other slum dwellers to be enjoined in the compensation case was dismissed by the court. However the court is expected to hear the case tomorrow on May 17 on the issue of compensation to the Owino Uhuru residents who are said to have been affected by the lead chemical. [Photo/Kelvin Karani] A State agency has announced a plan to start the cleaning up the Owino Uhuru slum, which was affected by lead poisoning from a battery acid processing plant. The National Environment Management Authority…
Gender PS Anne Wango’mbe during the Way Forward Conference to review the impact of Kenya-Finland partnership on gender and social transformation, in Kilifi County, on February 5, 2025. [Marion Kithi, Standard] Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe has called on communities across the country to join the war against femicide and gender-based violence. Addressing an annual conference for women in procurement and supply chain sectors at a Mombasa hotel on Tuesday, Wang’ombe said empowering women in procurement is a catalyst for broader economic growth. The conference, which is the second in the country, was organised by the Kenya Institute of Supplies…