​URA Commissioner General applauds KPA’s efforts

Mombasa – February 5,2022

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has commended the Kenya Ports Authority for sustaining the 24/7 port operations even during the difficult times of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

This was expressed by the URA Commissioner General Mr. John Musinguzi when he led top URA officials on an extensive tour of the Port of Mombasa on Saturday.

URA Commissioner General Mr. John Musinguzi receives a KPA plaque from the General Manager for Human Resource and Administration Mr. Daniel Ogutu.

KPA’s General Manager for Human Resource and Administration Mr. Daniel Ogutu, received the Commissioner General and his delegation on behalf of acting Managing Director Amb. John Mwangemi.

The URA boss said his organisation was undertaking a review of its processes aimed at increasing trade volumes.

Mr. Musinguzi added that for URA to succeed in its quest to improve trade within the region, KPA and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) remain critical partners.

“In the past it could take 18 days for cargo destined to Uganda from the Port of Mombasa. We are grateful that currently that has been reduced by more than 10 days. We appreciate KPA for innovations and efforts towards facilitating trade as well as lowering the cost of doing business,” he said.

The Commissioner General was accompanied by among others the Commissioner Customs Mr. Abel Kagumire, the Commissioner Domestic Taxes Ms. Sarah  Muzungyo, Commissioner Information Technology and Innovation Mr. Robert Mutebi, URA Assistant Commissioner Customs External Operations Mr. Julius Rubagumya and Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs Mr. Ibrahim Bbossa.

Group photograph of the URA and KPA officials outside the KPA headquarters Administration Block.

The visitors were also expected to visit Nairobi ICD, Naivasha Dry Port and Kisumu Port to understand the operations at the facilities.

Mr. Ogutu informed the delegation that Uganda contributes a greater percentage to the Port of Mombasa’s performance and assured the visitors of KPA’s commitment in ensuring and sustaining smooth port operations.

The visitors were also briefed on the ongoing port capacity expansion programs including the construction of the second phase of the Second Container Terminal at the Port of Mombasa which upon completion will give the port an additional annual capacity of 450,000 TEUs bringing the total to 2.2 million TEUs by end of 2022.

Besides the Second Container Terminal project, they were also informed about Lamu Port development, rehabilitation of Kisumu Port and also the relocation of Kipevu Oil Terminal (KOT).

Upon completion the new KOT will have a bigger terminal consisting of four berths hence reducing waiting time for oil tankers.