NAIROBI: The Government of Kenya is demonstrating its commitment to global climate action through collaboration and knowledge exchange in sustainable and green port development. Principal Secretary for Transport Mohammed Daghar emphasized Kenya’s focus on decarbonization, alternative energy sources, and smart port technologies during a workshop in Nairobi on Developing Sustainable and Green Ports.
According to Kenya News Agency, PS Daghar highlighted the nation’s efforts toward achieving zero emissions in transportation, a challenging task for a developing country, necessitating increased investment and partnerships with Development Partners. He acknowledged the vital role of the transport sector, responsible for approximately 20% of national greenhouse gas emissions, with shipping alone contributing around 3% of global emissions.
Despite Kenya’s limited registry of vessels, its strategic location on the East African coast serves neighboring landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan,
and the Eastern DRC. In 2023, Kenya managed 35.98 million metric tons of cargo throughput and 1.62 million TEUs of containerized cargo, highlighting the necessity for decarbonization in the shipping and maritime industry.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport has revised the Integrated National Transport Policy to incorporate environmental sustainability measures aimed at reducing the maritime transport carbon footprint. The development of transport infrastructure is now guided by climate resilience, with engineering standards and long-term strategies for a climate-resilient transport sector in place.
Regulations have been established to address fuel spills and hazardous materials, optimize transport modes by shifting cargo from road to rail, and refine petroleum transport via pipelines. Additionally, the development of inland waterways is being prioritized to reduce congestion and limit population exposure.
Since 2023, the Ministry has been advocating for greener mobility services, such as investments in el
ectric vehicles, fuel-efficient vehicles, noise reduction measures, modern aircraft technologies, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and market-based measures to reduce the carbon footprint. The workshop included representatives from the US Department for Transportation, US Department for State, US Embassy Officials, CEOs from various Kenyan State Departments and Agencies, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, and media.