Kenya Ports Authority, coastal counties launch landmark maritime transport project

Coastal counties are set to benefit from the Integrated Maritime and Inland Water Transport System (IMTS) Project, a flagship initiative of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) developed in partnership with the governments of Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Mombasa.

The project aims to modernise marine transport, improve logistical efficiency, and strengthen trade networks within Kenyan waters. It is also expected to maximise regional economic benefits through joint implementation, positioning the Coast region as a key hub for maritime and inland transport.

According to KPA, the project will link water-based transport with other modes of connectivity, making it easier to move both goods and passengers across counties.

Officials say it will reduce pressure on road networks, improve safety standards, and create new opportunities for investment along the coastal corridor.

KPA’s General Manager for Corporate Research, Planning and Compliance, Evelyn Mwamure, said consultations with county governments are already underway to align the project with local development plans. She noted that the IMTS Project had gained momentum and would be rolled out in phases to ensure sustainability.

“The IMTS Project is designed to leverage our inland and marine waterways for efficient, safe and sustainable transportation. Beyond strengthening trade, it will create new avenues for local communities to tap into economic opportunities linked to shipping, logistics and tourism,” she said.

Smooth implementation

She added that KPA was committed to working closely with the four coastal counties to guarantee smooth implementation and direct benefits for residents. “Partnerships with counties are central to this project because it must not only serve national interests but also address community priorities,” she said.

For coastal economies that rely heavily on maritime activities, the project promises wide-ranging benefits, including improved cargo handling, better passenger mobility between islands and the mainland, and increased investment in the blue economy.

Counties such as Lamu, home to Kenya’s newest deep-water port, and Kwale, with its vibrant tourism sector, are seen as key beneficiaries.

In Kwale, Governor Fatuma Achani welcomed the project, describing it as transformative for the region’s economy and a generator of thousands of jobs. She said the county would fully support KPA in ensuring its success.

“This initiative will not only modernise marine transport but also position Kwale as a key maritime tourism destination, while creating thousands of employment opportunities for our residents. We reaffirm our commitment to support KPA so that the project aligns with our development priorities and unlocks sustainable economic opportunities for our people,” she said.

Governor Achani added that the project would also boost tourism by improving connectivity along the coastline and enhancing safety for travellers. She called it a game-changer that would enable coastal communities to fully benefit from Kenya’s growing maritime industry.

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