Kobe, Japan — October 8, 2025
Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) flagship environmental initiative, “Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection and Increased Forest Cover,” has emerged as the winner of the Environmental Care category at the 2025 International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Awards, held during the World Ports Conference in Kobe, Japan.
The accolade recognizes KPA’s pioneering work in restoring degraded mangrove forests along Kenya’s coastline while empowering coastal communities to engage in sustainable, ocean-friendly livelihoods.
A Global Recognition for Environmental Excellence
The announcement was made during a grand gala dinner that brought together global port leaders, environmental experts, and maritime stakeholders. This year’s IAPH Awards attracted a record-breaking 500 project submissions from ports across the world — a testament to the increasing commitment to sustainability in the maritime industry.
Following a meticulous judging process by IAPH’s independent jury of international experts, and a robust public vote campaign led by KPA to rally community and industry support, the Kenyan project stood out as a model of innovation and impact.
Restoring Ecosystems and Empowering Communities
Under the program, KPA has partnered with coastal communities in Mombasa and Kwale Counties to rehabilitate degraded mangrove ecosystems — vital natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion and serve as breeding grounds for marine life.
The initiative has already resulted in expanded mangrove cover, rejuvenating habitats for fish, lobsters, and prawns, and creating favorable conditions for marine biodiversity to thrive. This ecological recovery has had a direct socio-economic impact, improving the livelihoods of local communities who depend on fishing and aquaculture.
“Our Mangrove Restoration for Ocean Protection project is far more than just growing mangroves — it is about survival and livelihoods,” said Capt. William Ruto, Managing Director of KPA. “We have witnessed immense benefits, including revived fish stocks and new economic opportunities for our communities, with men and women now engaged in sustainable ventures like seaweed and fish farming.”
Anchored in the Green Ports Policy
The mangrove initiative forms a key pillar of KPA’s Green Ports Policy (GPP) — a strategic framework that guides the Authority’s commitment to environmentally responsible and socially inclusive port management.
The GPP integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into all KPA operations and aligns Kenya’s maritime sector with international climate and sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through the policy, KPA aims to:
- Transition to renewable energy sources;
- Modernize port infrastructure using green technologies;
- Cut carbon emissions through efficiency and innovation;
- And protect marine and coastal ecosystems through sustainable development practices.
Sustainability Beyond the Port Gates
KPA’s mangrove restoration effort demonstrates how ports — traditionally seen as industrial hubs — can play a transformative role in environmental stewardship and climate adaptation. The project aligns with Kenya’s national agenda to increase forest cover, combat climate change, and promote the blue economy as a source of sustainable growth.
The program’s success also underscores the value of multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving local communities, Beach Management Units (BMUs), conservation agencies, and government institutions. Together, they are proving that environmental protection and economic growth can coexist harmoniously.
A Legacy of Sustainable Leadership
This is not the first time Kenya Ports Authority has gained global recognition for its community and sustainability efforts. In 2019, KPA’s Tunahusika Corporate Social Investment (CSI) project won the IAPH Sustainability Award in the Community Building category.
The latest victory solidifies KPA’s reputation as a regional leader in sustainable port operations, advancing Africa’s position in the global dialogue on green maritime growth.
About the IAPH Sustainability Awards
The IAPH Sustainability Awards, under the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), celebrate outstanding initiatives by ports that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The program promotes best practices in six categories: Digitalisation, Infrastructure, Health, Safety and Security, Community Building, Climate and Energy, and Environmental Care.
The awards not only recognize excellence but also inspire ports worldwide to innovate, collaborate, and integrate sustainability into their long-term strategies.
Conclusion
Kenya Ports Authority’s win in Japan marks a major milestone for both the organization and the African maritime sector at large. It highlights how effective environmental action — when rooted in community partnership and strategic policy — can drive both ecological renewal and economic resilience.
As Capt. Ruto emphasized, “KPA remains steadfast in transforming our ports into eco-friendly hubs that power East Africa’s economic growth while safeguarding our shared marine heritage for generations to come.”
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