The Equity Bank–KPA logistics partnership is at the centre of renewed calls to tackle Kenya’s growing transport bottlenecks, as rising cargo volumes stretch port infrastructure and demand faster, smarter solutions.
Capacity Strain Pushes Equity Bank–KPA Logistics Partnership to the Forefront
The Equity Bank–KPA logistics partnership is emerging as a critical pillar in strengthening Kenya’s transport and trade systems, following a candid assessment by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto.
Speaking during a visit by Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda, Captain Ruto said the port is grappling with surging cargo volumes growth so rapid that existing infrastructure is struggling to keep pace.
“Right now, we are already overwhelmed. Cargo has grown so fast that our capacity has been stretched,” he said, noting that digital payments powered by Equity Bank have helped ease customer delays.
“You’ve made things very simple for us. A customer pays from anywhere, the gate system updates instantly. That efficiency matters.”
Nyabanda reassured the KPA leadership of Equity’s long-term commitment, emphasizing that the Equity Bank–KPA logistics partnership would continue evolving to support expansion.
“As you expand, we want Equity to be a deeper and more strategic partner,” he said.
The bank’s coastal tour extended to Autoports Freight Terminal and Kyoga Hauliers, where similar concerns surfaced. Autoports Chairman Abubakar Ali Joho explained that growing volumes of fertilizers, steel, bulk cargo, and warehousing demands have outpaced the company’s handling capacity.
“Our group manages between 1.5 and 2 million tons of cargo a year. Logistics keeps shifting, and capacity is becoming a challenge,” Joho noted, calling for stronger financial backing to support expansion.
At Kyoga Hauliers, Operations Director Ismail Gulam highlighted razor-thin margins, volatile fuel prices, and high working-capital needs, but expressed optimism that Equity’s involvement would help ease operational pressures.
Nyabanda pledged that the bank would co-create solutions tailored to the unique needs of logistics firms.
“Your growth is Kenya’s growth,” he said. “We are here not just as bankers, but as partners ready to walk this journey with you.”
Beyond logistics, Equity Bank’s presence along the Coast touched tourism, small businesses, and green energy initiatives. During an SMEs Customer Engagement Forum in Diani, Kwale County Minister for Tourism, Trade, and Enterprise Development Michael Mutua described Equity’s community-focused support as “a lifeline” for local entrepreneurs.
The forum brought together tourism operators, business owners, youth innovators, and local leaders in a spirited discussion on building a stronger coastal economy.
“Our people need financing, mentorship, and partners who can nurture potential,” Mutua said.
Equity’s Coast Regional Manager emphasized the resilience of local entrepreneurs, saying, “The heart of Diani’s economy is its people. Our job is to walk with you and turn that resilience into measurable growth.”
Kwale County MP Fatuma Masito echoed the sentiment, noting a renewed sense of confidence among small business owners.
The day also included discussions on sustainable mobility during a meeting with Germany’s Honorary Consul in Diani, Stefan Wentzel, who highlighted the Sunny Tuk Tuk project an initiative to replace diesel tuk-tuks with electric models.
“Our goal is to go electric, clean up our towns, and create new jobs,” he said.
Wentzel praised Equity’s people-first growth model:
“What sets Equity apart is that you grew by investing in people, not mergers.”
Nyabanda said the bank fully supports innovations that combine job creation, sustainability, and technology.
“Projects like this fit perfectly within our mission,” he said.
“Kenya’s transformation will come from partnerships rooted in trust, innovation, and shared values exactly what the Equity Bank–KPA logistics partnership represents.”
