​KPA goes for a superior Terminal Operating System 

Mombasa – September 16,2020 

Members of the Project Implementation Team (PIT) of the new Terminal Operations System (TOS), under the leadership of Ms. Evelyn Mwamure, Manager TOS & Operations Projects, are working on smart strategies for implementation of the new system and its optimization in port operations. 

The expected system will be more advanced when compared to the current Kilindini Waterfront Automated Terminal Operation System (KWATOS) and will be a formidable game changer of port business through enhanced efficiency and productivity in port operations, documentation and seamless interface with relevant port community systems. 

Ms. Evelyn Mwamure, Manager TOS & Operations Projects.

“Other overall benefits of the Terminal Operations System include; faster vessel productivity and turnaround, optimized yard, rail and gate operations; increased visibility of operations; planned workloads, control of operations and storage, enhanced workers safety; timely and accurate billing; improved business intelligence and reporting,” said Ms. Mwamure. 

Besides these benefits, she added that the port will also witness; improved cargo safety, tracking and security; improved traffic management and increased profitability.  

Functionally, TOS will be an integrated platform embracing the following additional systems namely Reefer Management System (RMS), Optical Character Reader (OCR), Truck Appointment System (TAS), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Barcode for Conventional operations. It will interface with various key cargo interveners including Revenue Authorities, Cargo Owners, Shipping Agents, Partner Government Agencies (PGAS) and Clearing and Forwarding Agents.   

To successfully reap maximum benefits of the upgraded system, the Manager TOS & Operations Projects, noted that KPA is in the process of improving current system infrastructure platforms to guarantee high capacity, scalable, multi-tenancy, high-speed and readily available network services.   

The Project Implementation Team (PIT) is burning the midnight oil working on sensitization plan for KPA staff and stakeholders.  

“The new TOS will comprise smart gate, smart yard, smart quay, smart rail, smart motor vehicle and breakbulk operations that will not only competitively propel port services to world class standards but also substantially contribute towards achieving greater levels on Ease of Doing Business in terms of cost and service lead-time at the Kenya's Indian Ocean maritime boarder and relatable inland facilities," says Mr. Benjamin Mwandawiro, Senior Operations Officer (Documentation) and a member of PIT. 

 PIT members pose for a group photo during a recent workshop.

Other PIT members include; Ahmed Abdirahim, Head of Operations Kisumu Port/ICD, Nicholas Tendwa, Senior Business Analyst ICD, Luke Matere, Principal Networks Engineer (ICT), Evelyn Masindano, Senior Business Analyst, Andrew Opiyo, Senior Business Analyst (EDI), Fiona Mbandi, Senior HR Officer (Change Management) Johnson Zuma, Senior Business Analyst (Finance Billing), Salim Mtende, System Admin (Operations), Samwel Kiptoo, Senior Operations Officer, Planning (MCC), Peter Nyonje, Marine Officer and Mariam Kidere, Senior Security Officer.  

KPA has continued automating its systems over the years for competitive edge in the maritime business. In July 2008, KWATOS was implemented with the objective to establish a Planning and Management Information System for the waterfront cargo operations and documentation.  

KWATOS is an automatic and optimized operating system for container and breakbulk (conventional cargo) terminals with capability to plan, execute and control operations. 

It also came with real-time operation control via Handheld Terminals /Vehicle Mounted Terminals as well as automation of import and export documentation.  

As the first ever operations system to be implemented, the benefits of KWATOS include; enhanced documentation, enhanced security of (screen) documents as access is limited to users with a password, system audit trails that provide historical data on the system, ability to monitor cargo and document progress, reduce dwell-time of containers and enhanced automated customer’s transaction platform. 

Senior Business Analyst ICD, Mr. Nicholas Tendwa.

“The new system will address any missing functionalities in the current system to ensure enhanced customer service” says Nicholas Tendwa, Senior Business Analyst ICD. 

The new TOS will provide an enabling environment for KPA to optimize on full benefits of automation in cargo operation and marine services.