KTA Grant Monthly report November 2012

The organization has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety, improving port operations, and promoting trade facilitation. One of the key activities undertaken by KTA in November 2012 was the Private Sector and Civil Society Actors Forum, which was convened by Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA). The forum brought together representatives from the civil society and private sector to discuss issues hindering reforms at the Port of Mombasa. The discussions highlighted several key issues, including poor bureaucracy, lack of coordination, corruption, and vested interests. Proposed solutions to these issues included the establishment of a centralized body to improve coordination, privatization of port services, and education of stakeholders on the value of the port and its operations. KTA also participated in the National Road Safety Caravan, which took place between 15th and 20th November 2012. The caravan aimed to reinforce national and regional road safety initiatives and promote the use of technology in fleet management and security. KTA's CEO reiterated the organization's commitment to safety and highlighted several efforts made by KTA, including the launch of a self-regulatory mechanism, defensive driver training programs, and the setting up of a Heavy Commercial Vehicle drivers training institute. In addition, KTA attended a stakeholders meeting organized by the Kenya Maritime Authority on 14th November 2012 to validate and adopt Standards for Maritime Transport Services. The standards set out timelines for key cargo clearance activities and outline the obligations of port operators. KTA also made progress in institutional development and sustainability, particularly in the establishment of the KTA HCV Drivers Training Institute. A meeting was held with the consultant seconded by USAID COMPETE to discuss the general framework for operationalizing the Institute. Proposed names for the Institute were presented to the AG, and invitations for a workshop on the new traffic act were sent out to KTA members. Furthermore, KTA attended a two-day media workshop organized by Kenya Ports Authority in Mombasa on 20th-21st November 2012. The workshop aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of port dynamics and maritime transport in the region, educate the media on shipping practices and principles of port operations, and articulate the role of the media in trade facilitation along the Northern Corridor. Overall, KTA's activities in November 2012 demonstrate the organization's commitment to enhancing road safety, improving port operations, and promoting trade facilitation in Kenya.