KPA automates all Mombasa operations
KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) has automated all its port operations in Mombasa.
By Mikaili Sseppuya
KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) has automated all its port operations in Mombasa.
The authority has assured port users that teething glitches were being dealt with.
Abdallah Mwaruwa, the KPA head, explained in a statement last week that the Kilindini Waterfront (Kwatos) computer project included all container, conventional cargo, inland depot and marine operations at the Nairobi and Kisumu outlets.
Mwaruwa promised to assist users in ensuring that the computer system serves them better.
Kwatos had problems immediately it got live in yard planning, billing and truck release.
“The problems are being dealt with as port officials and users get more familiar with how the system works,†the port crisis management team said.
“Staying focused on the success of the new electronic system is the major concern.
“However, the old manual system will continue to be used where there are difficulties with the new one but the former must eventually be phased out.â€
KPA also said it had noted cases where labour shortages were experienced.
This was mainly at the gates and container terminals due to double duty rosters. However, this error had been rectified.
The statement noted that some customers had lost their passwords, a key requirement for the new electronic system and a late minute rush by customers to acquire fresh passwords.
KPA processed all password enquiries and promised all in need of passwords to get them within 30 minutes of their applications. In the terminal, the new system failed to generate pick orders for the outside container freight stations.
The manual system had to be resorted to.
“At the same time, more customer care or help desks have been mounted inside the port to assist customers with all the enquiries.â€
Giving a background to the new system, Mwaruwa said the implementation of the project started in January 2006 with a study of the business processes and user requirements.
This, he disclosed, was followed by the system construction, which was installed on site in July 2007 for the Mombasa container terminal and in September for the conventional cargo and marine operations.
“The third stage of the system involved mainly the training of super-users in KPA and end-users such as clearing and forwarding agents, Kenya Revenue Authority and so on,†Mwaruwa said.
At least 900 end-users were trained in the operations deemed critical for the implementation of the electronic system.
KENYA Ports Authority (KPA) has automated all its port operations in Mombasa.
The authority has assured port users that teething glitches were being dealt with.
Abdallah Mwaruwa, the KPA head, explained in a statement last week that the Kilindini Waterfront (Kwatos) computer project included all container, conventional cargo, inland depot and marine operations at the Nairobi and Kisumu outlets.
Mwaruwa promised to assist users in ensuring that the computer system serves them better.
Kwatos had problems immediately it got live in yard planning, billing and truck release.
“The problems are being dealt with as port officials and users get more familiar with how the system works,†the port crisis management team said.
“Staying focused on the success of the new electronic system is the major concern.
“However, the old manual system will continue to be used where there are difficulties with the new one but the former must eventually be phased out.â€
KPA also said it had noted cases where labour shortages were experienced.
This was mainly at the gates and container terminals due to double duty rosters. However, this error had been rectified.
The statement noted that some customers had lost their passwords, a key requirement for the new electronic system and a late minute rush by customers to acquire fresh passwords.
KPA processed all password enquiries and promised all in need of passwords to get them within 30 minutes of their applications. In the terminal, the new system failed to generate pick orders for the outside container freight stations.
The manual system had to be resorted to.
“At the same time, more customer care or help desks have been mounted inside the port to assist customers with all the enquiries.â€
Giving a background to the new system, Mwaruwa said the implementation of the project started in January 2006 with a study of the business processes and user requirements.
This, he disclosed, was followed by the system construction, which was installed on site in July 2007 for the Mombasa container terminal and in September for the conventional cargo and marine operations.
“The third stage of the system involved mainly the training of super-users in KPA and end-users such as clearing and forwarding agents, Kenya Revenue Authority and so on,†Mwaruwa said.
At least 900 end-users were trained in the operations deemed critical for the implementation of the electronic system.