The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Friday received the last batch of six Rail Mounted Gantry (RMGs) cranes worth Sh2.12 billion.

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Acting KPA Managing Director Dr Daniel Manduku said the machines were purchased from China-based ZPMC Ltd, each costing Sh345 million.

He indicated the cranes would ease handling of cargo at the Mombasa port as part of the integrated Mombasa Port - Standard Gauge Railway operations.

Addressing the press at the port, Manduku said the new cranes would be deployed at Berth 11 and 14 to load cargo and container on the SGR cargo trains from Mombasa.

This, he said will ensure at least seven trains are loaded to Nairobi daily as KPA looks forward to increase the number to 12 trains each day.

"This is part of the equipment that the Authority (KPA) is investing in to ensure seamless and efficient discharge of cargo. They are going to be deployed at the SGR so that we can be effective in ensuring we load at least seven trains per day to Nairobi. We are targeting to attain 12 trains to Nairobi every day," said Manduku.

The first batch of two cranes arrived in May after KPA ordered them in December 2016.

The four RMGs, which arrived at the Mombasa port, are part of the six which were ordered by KPA on December 2016. 

The first batch of two RMGs was received in May this year.

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