The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has acquired two new state-of-the-art multipurpose boats, MV Manda and MV Mrembo, to significantly boost efficiency and operations at the Mombasa and Lamu ports. This acquisition comes as the ports report a surge in ship traffic, with **21 container vessels**, six conventional cargo vessels, and **four bulk stream vessels** waiting to berth at Mombasa. **KPA Chairman Benjamin Tayari** emphasized that these vessels will modernize port infrastructure, reduce turnaround times, and lower costs for shippers.

• MV Manda will primarily assist in berthing and unberthing large vessels, particularly at the Port of Lamu, and contribute to environmental protection.
• The new boats feature advanced capabilities including anti-oil pollution support, firefighting systems, high-capacity towing machinery, and integrated coastal navigation technology.
• The acquisition aims to reduce **KPA's** reliance on hiring similar boats, leading to economic benefits and improved safety standards, according to KPA Managing Director **Captain William Ruto**.