Expected to start delivering on its mandate in the next 18 months, the initiative seeks to counter the prevailing inefficiencies at the ports that have led to higher logistics costs.

The vessel, arriving from the United Arab Emirates, delivered 121,403 metric tons of automotive gas oil, with 40 per cent of this cargo destined for the transit market.

Meanwhile, Kenya's largest port, Mombasa, experienced a decline in its ranking, falling to 328 out of the 348 ports evaluated worldwide.

This is part of reforms to combat mineral smuggling through the region's busiest port.

The owners are required to settle any outstanding charges owed to the Authority prior to the removal of their equipment.

The Ethiopian Government is keen on utilising the Port of Lamu due to the growing instability in the Red Sea region.

Kifwa contends that the levy is unconstitutional and aims to challenge the directive compelling payment to a third-party entity.

 One significant development is the directive for the immediate release of goods held at the Port of Mombasa upon confirmation of meeting the required standards.

The vessel arrived from Victoria Port in Seychelles with the tourists from various countries who will spend two days in the coastal town.

The Port of Lamu and Kisumu Port also witnessed substantial growth, indicating a broader regional expansion.

The deadlock stems from Kenya customs agents' refusal to acknowledge the newly introduced Electronic Cargo Tracking Note mandated by the South Sudan Revenue Authority Commission.

The latest cruise vessel is the Bahamas-flagged cruise ship MV World Odyssey 'Semester at Sea' that arrived at the Port of Mombasa on Friday.

The MV Norwegian Dawn is the longest cruise liner of this season.

Plans are in place to receive four more cruise ships between January and March 2024.

KPA Managing Director, William Ruto last week told an investors' conference that he was confident that “concession of port assets will attract private sector investment.”