Infrastructure

Mombasa Port Security System to Be Ready by March

The security system is jointly funded by the World Bank and the Kenyan government.

Updated on

December 11, 2012

The Sh1.7 billion project to install the Integrated Security System (ISS) at the Mombasa port will be completed by March 2013, according to port officials.

The state-of-the-art security system, which is jointly funded by the World Bank and the Kenyan government, will pave the way for the port’s long-term conformity with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

“The ISS will complement the visible and undercover patrols by all security agencies in the port,” Kenya Ports Authority’s head of security, Mohamed Morowa told reporters in an earlier interview.

The project that was started two years ago is being implemented by Magal Security Systems of Israel.

It will see the port fitted with closed circuit television with long-range day and night surveillance cameras, static pan tilt zoo cameras among other security elements – all aimed to safeguarding the port from piracy and terrorism.

The hi-tech security system will also enhance sea surveillance while improving the screening of containers to check against drugs, counterfeit products, and other illicit goods.

Mombasa port security system project entails, among other things, the installation of an Access Control System (ACS) that will recognise number plates of vehicles entering the port, banning access to all other unauthorized vehicles.