The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has stepped up the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code at the Port of Mombasa, with more than 40 security officers completing specialised training and practical drills to enhance preparedness, identify vulnerabilities and safeguard the uninterrupted movement of maritime trade.
The measures are aimed at strengthening security systems at Kenya’s main maritime gateway and ensuring the port remains safe and reliable for international shipping and regional trade.
Introduced in 2004, the ISPS Code provides a common international security framework for ships and port facilities, requiring them to identify potential threats, assess vulnerabilities and implement measures to prevent security incidents.
In a statement on August 15, 2026, KPA says compliance is not only a regulatory obligation but a critical requirement for maintaining the Port of Mombasa as a secure international maritime gateway. The port supports shipping lines, cargo owners and trading partners whose operations depend on reliable and secure movement of goods.
More than 40 KPA security officers were recently awarded certificates after successfully completing security awareness training at the Port of Mombasa.
The training included practical security drills designed to test preparedness, strengthen operational knowledge and equip officers with the skills required to identify and address security deficiencies.
KPA Manager, Security Services, Tony Kibwana, said compliance with the ISPS Code remained central to protecting port operations and ensuring security personnel were prepared to respond to evolving threats.
“Security is not separate from port operations. It is one of the conditions that makes those operations possible. Our continued compliance with the ISPS Code demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a secure environment for ships, cargo, employees and other port users,” Kibwana maintained.
He said regular training, exercises and assessments allowed security personnel to translate established security procedures into effective action.
The practical drills formed part of KPA’s continuous preparedness programme, giving personnel an opportunity to test their response capabilities while identifying areas requiring improvement.
The ISPS Code was established under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) as a mandatory international framework for strengthening the security of ships and port facilities against security threats.
It requires port facilities to maintain appropriate security measures, procedures and personnel capable of responding to identified risks.
For a major maritime gateway such as Mombasa, adherence to the code extends beyond obtaining certification. It contributes to the security and resilience of the wider maritime supply chain while helping sustain the uninterrupted flow of trade to Kenya and neighbouring countries.
KPA said it would continue strengthening security awareness, personnel competence and preparedness across its facilities as part of efforts to meet international maritime security standards.
The authority said the measures would support its commitment to maintaining the Port of Mombasa as a safe, secure and reliable gateway for global trade.