Kenya Ports Authority wins cross-border trade award in Uganda

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has been named the Best Cross-border Trade Facilitation Partner at the 2025 KACITA Quality Awards held in Kampala over the weekend.

The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) honoured KPA for easing movement of goods between Kenya, Uganda and the wider East and Central Africa region.

The Authority was praised for its role in cutting delays, simplifying cargo clearance and supporting thousands of traders who rely on the Northern Corridor.

KPA’s Kampala liaison office, led by Betty Wakio, received the award on behalf of Managing Director Capt William Ruto.

Ms Wakio thanked the Ugandan business community for choosing the Port of Mombasa as their preferred gateway.

Cross-border trade facilitation refers to the systems that make the movement of goods across borders faster, cheaper and more predictable.

It includes reducing paperwork, harmonising customs procedures, improving transport links, and shifting services to digital platforms.

KPA has in recent years expanded these efforts by offering 24-hour port operations, introducing digital cargo tracking, connecting traders to paperless clearance systems, and strengthening links with inland depots.

The Authority also works with border and revenue agencies to cut the time cargo takes from Mombasa to Kampala.

The recognition places KPA among the key organisations driving smoother regional trade and reinforcing Mombasa Port’s position as the main gateway for land-linked countries in the region.

Other winners at the awards included the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), which was named Government Agency of the Year, and Hima Cement, which took home the Best Manufacturer of Cement award.

KACITA holds the event annually to celebrate outstanding performers across Uganda’s trade, manufacturing and service sectors. It brings together business leaders, government agencies and regional partners who support cross-border commerce.