KPA holds collaborative meeting with the School of Engineering

The School of Engineering, Moi University and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) held a consultative meeting on 4^th November 2024 at KPA offices in Kilindini-Mombasa, with focus on potential areas of research collaboration and consultancy. The Moi University team was represented by:
1. Prof. Eng. Augustine B. Makokha (Dean, School of Engineering)
2. Prof. John Githaiga (Dept. of Manufacturing, Industrial &Textile Engineering).

The KPA was represented by the following team:
3. Mr. Daniel Githinji (Manager, Health, Safety and Environment)
4. Mr. Nathan Nyamao (Principal Engineer)
5. Eng. Nixon Oloo (Planning and Maintenance Engineer)
6. Eng. Monicah Atemba (Electrical Engineer)
7. Mr. Robert Irina (Principal Engineer)

It was noted that the Port of Mombasa covers an area of 5km², and handles 1.8 million TEUs per year. A total of 2800 trucks, 12000 small vehicles and 1000 special vehicles enter the port per day. Further, approximately 25000 people enter the port daily.
It was agreed that there were many areas of common interest and that the two institutions should explore ways to strengthen the current partnership. KPA expressed interest to partner with the School of Engineering in research and skills development/training towards addressing existing challenges at the port relating to efficiency, sustainability and safety as listed:
1. Digitalization of systems
2. Remote inspection of marine vessels
3. Ecological Engineering to protect the coastal biodiversity
4. Technological advancement to reduce hazards at the Port – e.g. Handling and storage of dirty cargo (clinker, coal, gypsum, iron ore, fertilizer etc)
5. Reduction of maritime pollution including wastewater and fugitive dust (to test the performance of water cannons and eco-hoppers)
6. The port and its relationship with the indigenous community
7. Offshore systems and ocean economy