NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenyan government is making strides toward greener, more sustainable port operations, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonization and innovation in the shipping sector.
Speaking at the Sustainable and Green Ports workshop in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Transport Mohammed Daghar emphasized Kenya’s dedication to developing eco-friendly port infrastructure through collaboration, peer review, and knowledge exchange.
Represented by Engineer Michael Muchiri, Daghar highlighted the need for partnerships, especially with key allies like the United States, to accelerate progress in areas like alternative energy, digitalization, and smart port technologies.
Kenya’s efforts to reduce emissions in the shipping and transport sector have ramped up over the past years, despite the challenges faced by a developing nation.
In 2023, Kenya’s ports managed a significant volume of 35.98 million metric tons of cargo.
With the transport sector contributing around 20pc of Kenya’s greenhouse gas emissions, the shift toward greener operations is critical, not only for environmental health but also to maintain Kenya’s role as a transit hub for East African landlocked nations.
Digitalization and smart port technologies play a vital role here. By implementing climate-resilient infrastructure standards and digital solutions, Kenya is improving operational efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint of port activities.
The updated Integrated National Transport Policy (INTP) now includes comprehensive measures aimed at minimizing environmental impact across Kenya’s maritime transport sector, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leader in sustainable African port development.
In a broader push toward sustainable transport, Kenya has been active in promoting green mobility solutions such as electric vehicles, fuel-efficient transportation, and noise-reduction technologies for both vehicles and aircraft.
Additionally, investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) underscore Kenya’s holistic approach to reducing transport emissions.
Market-based measures are also helping to decrease the carbon footprint across Kenya’s transportation landscape, a move that aligns with global climate goals and paves the way for future eco-friendly initiatives.
As part of its mission to support climate-resilient infrastructure, the Ministry of Roads and Transport has adopted rigorous climate-proofing standards.
Efforts to shift cargo movement from road to rail and pipeline are underway to ease road congestion and reduce the risks associated with fuel spills.
By expanding its reach in electric and alternative-fuel vehicles, Kenya is taking tangible steps to build a cleaner, more sustainable transport network that can serve as a model for other developing nations.
Kenya’s commitment to green port and transport development has attracted significant international attention, drawing stakeholders from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of State, and private-sector representatives to the Nairobi workshop.
These discussions focused on scaling sustainable transport strategies and underscored the importance of Kenya’s partnerships with global players to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Kenya’s approach to sustainable port development combines forward-thinking policy, technology, and a commitment to international cooperation, illustrating the country’s potential to lead in eco-conscious transport solutions.
