TIME TO SHINE.

(Picture courtesy of Google) 

When he assumed office on 13th September 2022, H.E. The Fifth President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto ordered that port operations be reverted back to Mombasa, a move that left many Kenyans with smiles on their faces especially the coastal residents. This was a move that was going to benefit Mombasa economically and coast region at large. But what are ports and how is the port of Mombasa going to be beneficial to the residents of Mombasa County? A port is basically a maritime facility comprising of one or more wharves or loading areas, where ships load and discharge cargo and passengers.

(Picture courtesy of Google) 

Ports will continue to play a central role in overcoming future challenges posed to world trade during this decade and beyond. Ports constitute a major part of the global transportation sector and have been integral to the success stories of economies worldwide for centuries. This has evolved with the rise of 'container hubs' acting as a crucial connection between sea and land. Our nation's Port, that is the port of Mombasa has been an important part of our national economy and intermodal transportation system. 

(picture courtesy of google) 

One of the benefits is that it contributes to the national economy and that of the county of the Mombasa. Kenya as a country earns revenue from the port operations and the county government of Mombasa happens to benefit from that and put the money into projects or rather improve infrastructure around Mombasa County hence lowering the need for the common mwananchi to pay more in form of tax. 

(picture courtesy of google) 

With port operations back to Mombasa,  the move tends to create more employment opportunities for the residents of Mombasa thus enabling the unemployed people be able to cater for their needs and that of their families. 

(picture courtesy of Google) 

Through the employment that the Mombasa residents will benefit from, it will enable them to raise their living standards hence reducing the dependency rate that's very high in this coastal city. This will in turn reduce crime rate among the youth due to them being busy working. 

Another benefit is that it will promote the education sector. How? This will be through offering attachment and internship programmes to university and college students as well as the students under the Competence Based Curriculum. 

Mombasa port operations would also help in decongesting of the many containers that are at the port. This will be facilitated by the movement of trailers in and out of the port thus reducing delays vastly experienced at the port. 

All in all, the port of Mombasa will enable the Mombasa County Government to develop mutually beneficial relationships with landlocked countries because that's the main entry and exit point of most exports of those landlocked coutries. This brings about the smooth running of businesses.