Government will continue to guarantee an enabling environment for investments with an aim of promoting trade.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has assured that the government will continue to guarantee an enabling environment for investments with an aim of promoting trade, improve economy as well as create more job opportunities.

Mr. Musyoka said that partnership between the government and the private sector is critical in accelerating the country’s pace towards attaining Vision 2030.

He was speaking during the official opening of Transami Mombasa Container Terminal (MCT) in Changamwe, Mombasa County where he was the chief guest.

Mr. Musyoka said that Kenya appreciates the vote of confidence investors have placed in the country that has led to increased investments and Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He particularly lauded the Bollore Africa Logistics for committing significant investment in Kenya and other parts of Africa, noting that the company through its subsidiaries such as MCT, SDV Transami, Socopao Kenya Ltd and East Africa Commercial Shipping have taken a leading role in promoting trade.

“An investment of a scale such as yours at MCT is an excellent illustration of how PPPs can be put together to achieve multiple benefits to participating partners. This particular PPP is premised on agreements made between MCT, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority,” Mr. Musyoka added.

The Vice President allayed fears that allowing private Container Freight Station Operators to compete with the KPA will affect business and affect government revenue.

Mr. Musyoka said that through the installation of efficiency systems the operations have improved both output and revenue levels for all participating partners due to increased earnings through additional capacity created by the Freight Stations.

He noted that based on successes of such  MCT’s there is room for broader participation of private partnerships with existing ports and additional ones  that  government has been engaged in establishing.

Managing Director MCT, Mr. Tony Stenning said the company has invested over 700million and created job opportunities for over 300 members of staff.

He added that the company is not only committed to the development of Kenya but also other countries where it is represented in the continent.

The Group Chairman, Mr. Samson Ndegwa assured that the company has confidence in Kenyan leadership, saying they will continue to expand the businesses.

Later, the Vice President made a stop over at Port Reitz, Changamwe Constituency to receive greetings from wananchi on his way to Voi.

Mr. Musyoka assured that it’s not the government’s policy to privatize the port of Mombasa, saying such a move must involve and incorporate all stakeholders.

He at the same time, called on investors in all sectors of the economy to modernize their infrastructure so as to ensure quality and efficiency in their operations.