The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto has called for urgent interventions to address capacity constraints as surging cargo volumes and increased transshipment traffic stretch its infrastructure to the limit.
“Right now, we are already overwhelmed. Cargo has grown so fast that our capacity has been stretched,” said Captain Ruto during a visit by Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda.
According to Captain Ruto, despite these challenges, KPA has embraced digitized payment systems powered by Equity Bank to improve efficiency.
“You’ve made things very simple for us. Today, a customer pays from anywhere, and the gate system updates instantly. That efficiency matters,” Captain Ruto added.
In response, Nyabanda reassured KPA of Equity’s continued support, stating, “As you expand, we want Equity to be a deeper and more strategic partner.”
Beyond the port, Equity Bank extended its engagements to Autoports Freight Terminal and Kyoga Hauliers. At Autoports, Chairman Abubakar Ali Joho outlined how rapid growth in cargo volumes has stretched the company’s capacity to handle fertilizers, steel, bulk cargo, and warehousing operations.
Joho emphasized the need for financial solutions to support expansion saying, “Our group handles between 1.5 to 2 million tons of cargo a year. Logistics has changed; every day there is a shift in trade facilitation. We’re growing, but capacity is becoming a challenge.”
At Kyoga Hauliers, Operations Director Ismail Gulam highlighted the high-risk nature of logistics, citing thin margins, fluctuating fuel costs, and reliance on working capital cycles. Gulam expressed optimism about Equity’s involvement in addressing these challenges.
Nyabanda pledged to work closely with both companies to co-create tailored financial solutions. He said, “Your growth is Kenya’s growth. We are here not just as bankers, but as partners ready to walk this journey with you.”
Equity Bank’s engagements along the Coast extended beyond logistics to address challenges in tourism, small enterprises, and renewable energy. At a Small and Medium Eenterprises (SMEs) Customer Engagement Forum in Diani, Kwale County Minister for Tourism, Trade, and Enterprise Development, Michael Mutua, described Equity’s support as “a lifeline” for local entrepreneurs.
The forum brought together small business owners, tourism operators, local leaders, and youth innovators for a high-energy dialogue on building a more resilient and inclusive coastal economy. Discussions underscored the region’s enormous potential and the urgent need for partnerships that empower Diani entrepreneurs to thrive despite economic vulnerabilities.
“Our people need financing, mentorship, and the kind of partnership that sees potential and nurtures it,” said Mutua.
Equity Coast Regional Manager highlighted the resilience of local entrepreneurs, saying, “The heart of Diani’s economy is its people. Our commitment is to walk with you on the ground and turn that resilience into measurable growth.”
Kwale County MP Fatuma Masito lauded Equity’s willingness to listen, noting, “Today, there is renewed confidence that with the right partnership, Diani’s enterprises can grow and uplift entire families.”
Equity also explored green mobility initiatives during a courtesy call on Stefan Wentzel, the Honorary Consul of Germany, at his Diani office. Wentzel highlighted the Sunny Tuk Tuk project, which aims to replace diesel-powered tuk-tuks with electric models.
“Our goal is to transform mobility by going electric, creating cleaner towns and new jobs for youth and women drivers,” said Wentzel.
Wentzel also praised Equity’s community-focused approach, saying, “What sets Equity apart is that you’ve grown organically, not through mergers or acquisitions, but by investing in people.”
Nyabanda lauded the initiative, stating, “Projects like this that combine sustainability, innovation, and job creation fit perfectly within our mission of empowering businesses to grow responsibly.”
“Kenya’s transformation will come from partnerships rooted in trust, innovation, and shared values. That’s the journey Equity is proud to lead,” he added.