Mombasa, August 23, 2023 - A fire engulfed the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices situated within the Mombasa Port, causing alarm and swift action from firefighting units. The incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting a rapid response from firefighters to prevent the blaze from spreading to other sections of the facility.

The KRA offices located at the Mombasa Port play a vital role in providing efficient tax services to businesses operating within the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) premises. Fortunately, due to the quick intervention of firefighters, the fire was contained to a specific area and had not expanded to other sections.

A KPA worker stationed at the port confirmed the incident and assured that there were no reported casualties. He stated, "It has not expanded to other sections, it only affected a section of the offices... No, there have been no casualties reported. Everyone was able to scamper to safety."

The cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of reporting. The KPA boasts an adept firefighting brigade that collaborates with the Mombasa County firefighting department to maintain safety within the city. The presence of a standby firefighting team at the port facilities played a pivotal role in preventing the fire from rapidly spreading across the expansive dock area.

Fire incidents resulting in casualties are rare within the port facility, as regular fire drills are conducted, and staff are trained in first aid. While efforts were underway to extinguish the fire at the time of publishing, a comprehensive assessment of the damage incurred at the KRA offices had yet to be conducted.

The Kenya Ports Authority accommodates various government and private agencies within its premises to optimize business operations. This strategic arrangement facilitates increased efficiency in commerce, with entities such as Rift Valley Railways, Shipping Agents, Banks, Forwarders, and Transporters situated at both Mombasa and Nairobi port facilities.