The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has stepped up security at the Port of Mombasa as it strengthens implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code amid evolving threats to global maritime trade.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

More than 40 KPA security officers recently completed security awareness training and practical drills aimed at improving their preparedness to identify and respond to potential security threats at the port.

Speaking during the training, KPA Manager of Security Services, Tony Kibwana, said that maintaining strong security systems was essential to ensuring that port operations continue without disruption.

“Security is not separate from port operations. It is one of the conditions that makes those operations possible,” Kibwana said.

📌 What You Need to Know

Kibwana said continued compliance with the ISPS Code demonstrates KPA’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for ships, cargo, employees and other port users.

The ISPS Code is a mandatory international maritime security framework adopted under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and has been in force since July 2004.

The officers took part in practical drills designed to test their response capabilities, strengthen their operational knowledge and identify gaps that could affect the port’s preparedness during a security incident.

KPA said regular training, exercises and assessments were necessary to ensure that security procedures were not only in place but could also be effectively applied when required.

Additionally, the framework requires ships and port facilities involved in international trade to assess security risks, maintain security plans, train personnel, and conduct exercises to prepare for possible threats.

Its measures are designed to help ports detect and deter security threats while ensuring that governments, port operators, shipping companies and security personnel have clearly defined responsibilities.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke