This report summarizes the student's 3-month industrial attachment at Kenya Ports Authority from October to December 2023. The student undertook various activities including lubrication, lathe operation and maintenance, refrigeration repair, welding, equipment maintenance, and workshop organization. The attachment provided practical experience to supplement the student's mechanical engineering studies. Some challenges included adapting to the workplace and delays receiving protective gear. Overall, the experience helped improve the student's skills and prepare for future employment.

1. A REPORT OF THE FIELD ATTACHMENT UNDERTAKEN AT KENYA PORTS
AUTHORITIES (CONTAINER TERMINAL ENGINEERING DIVISION) FROM 09th
OCT TO 29th DECEMBER 2023 AND SUBMITTED TO MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, KENYA COAST NATIONAL
POLYTECHNIC.
BLADRINE LUCKY KIPROP
REG.NUMBER: 51399
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (PLANT OPTION).

2. DECLARATION BY THE STUDENT
I hereby declare that all information in this document has been obtained and presented in
accordance with academic rules and ethical conduct. I also declare that, as required by these rules
and conduct, I have fully written this report based on truth and cited all activities and duties that I
undertook in container terminal engineering division during my attachment from
09/10/2023 to 29/12/2023. I therefore declare that this material is original.
NAME: BLADRINE LUCKY KIPROP
REG.NUMBER: 51399
Signature..................................................Date.....................................
DECLARATION BY THE SUPERVISOR
This attachment report has been submitted with my approval as the institution supervisor.
Name: Mr. kennedy Omari
Sign…………………………… Date…………………………………….

3. ABSTRACT
The purpose of this report is to provide the details of the institution of attachment, a description
of all the activities undertaken during the same, the lessons learnt and challenges during the
attachment period. The essence of attachment is to put all the theoretical work done in class by a
student into practical exercise.
I was therefore attached at kenya ports authority for a period of three months. The major
activities I carried out included.
• Lubrication
• Lathe operation and its maintenance
• General safety
• Refrigeration repair
• Welding and fabrication
• Plant equipment and maintenance
• Drilling and gas cutting
• Workshop organization and house keeping
DEDICATION
I wish to dedicate this work to my family for supporting me throughout my study.

4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The development of this report took the effort, support and guidance of a number of people whom
I wish to thank. I also wish to pay tribute to the management and staff of Kenya Ports Authorities
for offering me a chance to be part of them and for their unwavering support. Gratitude to my
academic supervisor Mr. William Katanda for his efforts to assess me and advice on how to
improve my skills.
.
I also thank my family for their support and prayers not only during my attachment period but
throughout my course. I cannot end this list without paying tribute to the entire Kenya Coast
National Polytechnic department of Mechanical Engineering for their constructive training and
the knowledge they have imparted in me throughout the three years training. May God bless you
all.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The industrial attachment training is an essential component of the curriculum of Kenya Coast
National Polytechnic and therefore no graduation without the industrial attachment. The
attachment period is usually maximum of twelve weeks, during which the student is expected to
acquire additional practical experience to supplement, their course of study in the Institution.
They are also exposed to the real world of work and its challenges which will prepare them
towards their future careers.

5. This report is the outcome of the twelve weeks practical training I had at Kenya Ports Authority
in Mombasa.
1.1 OBJECTIVES OF ATTACHMENT
Some of the important objectives of the industrial attachment are as follows
• To assess the interest of the student in the occupation he/she plans to undertake.
• To expose the students to work methods not taught in the Institution and to provide access to
products equipment not normally available in the environment of the Institution.
• To provide the students with an opportunity to apply knowledge in real work situation
thereby closing the gap between Institution work and the actual practice.
• To make the transition from school to the world of work smoothly and to enhance student
contacts for job placement.
• To enlist and strengthen employers involvement in institutional activities and in the entire
educational process of preparing the students for employment in industry.
• To enhance industry´s satisfaction with the graduate of the Faculty in particular and the
school at large.
1.2 BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
The industrial attachment seek to offer students a practical translation of the theory they have been
taught. It has also got individual benefit of liaising the institution to the industries, hence
brightening the employment chances of the students in the outside world. Through this attachment,
I have generated a good interpersonal relationship through my interaction with my supervisors and
colleagues. This has assisted me to interact confidently with people irrespective of the position.

6. 1.3 EXPERIENCE
Through my attachment, I have gained some new experiences in machine maintenance , lathe
machine operation and good housekeeping and assembling of new machine and work coordination.
I have also learnt lubrication and air conditioning and refrigeration repair, have improved my
interpersonal skills by interacting with my fellow work mates and supervisors and also have
improved on my communication skills and documentation.
1.4 MORAL EDUCATION
Working in the exposes me to various learning environment or conditions. It has thereby inculcated
in me sympathy for the poor and above all the will to acquire myself from improving my practical
knowledge.
CHAPTER 2
2.0 Background of Kenya Ports Authority
Established in January 1978 under an Act of Parliament, KPA is mandated to manage and operate
the Port of Mombasa and all scheduled seaports along Kenya’s coastline that include Lamu,
Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kiunga, Shimoni, Funzi and Vanga. In addition, the Authority manages
Inland Waterways as well as Inland Container Depots at Embakasi, Eldoret and Kisumu.
For years, Mombasa has been known as “the city of merchants”. Dating back to the times of
Vasco Da Gama when Mombasa old port was being used for trade between the East Coast of
Africa and the Far East. After the construction of the Kenya Uganda railways (1895-1902) a new
port was born west of Mombasa island. Subsequently the Port became an increasingly busy
trading post for the region. Due to its strategic location, midway between South Africa and the
gulf of Aden the Port has experienced tremendous traffic through the years.
The Port of Mombasa is the gateway to East and Central Africa,and is one of the busiest Ports
along the East African coastline. The Port provides direct connectivity to over 80 Ports worldwide

7. and is linked to a vast hinterland comprising Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Eastern Democratic
Republic of Congo, Northern Tanzania, Southern Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia by road.A railway
line also runs from the Port to Uganda and Tanzania.
PERSONAL LINES INSURANCE
• GENERAL INSURANCE-Domestic Insurance, Travel Insurance Personal Accident
Cover, Professional Indemnity
• MEDICAL INSURANCE-Accident Hospitalization Cover, Overseas Medical Cover,
Inpatient Medical Cover
• PENSIONS-Individual Pension Plan
• LIFE-Education Policies, Funeral Covers, Endowment Policies
CORPORATE INSURANCE
• GENERAL INSURANCES-Fire Industrial, Goods in Transit, Motor Private and
Commercial, Engineering Risks, Accident Covers, Workmen’s Compensation
• PENSIONS-Defined Benefit Administration
• MEDICAL INSURANCES-Corporate Medical Insurances
• LIFE-Group Life Cover, Group Mortgage , Group Credit Life
2.1 Mission, vision and core values
The Port of Mombasa is the key entry and exit point for cargo belonging to a vast hinterland that
include Kenya, Uganda Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, South
Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia. The port of Mombasa dates back to 18th century when the
Portuguese and the Arabs came to the East African Indian ocean shore for spice and slave trade.
2.1.1 Vision
The vision of Kenya Ports Auhority is to lead in the promotion of economic growth by providing
the insuring public with secure, dynamic and professional services.
2.1.2 Mission Statement

8. To provide efficient and competitive port services to facilitate global trade.
2.1.3 Core Values
• Customer Focus
• Integrity
• Team Work
• Care
• Innovation
Service excellence is key to our operations and we endeavour to exceed customer
expectations.
2.2 Organizational structure

9. Kenya Ports Authority is organized into hierarchy with top, middle and operational management.
The company has various departments which assist in the delivery of quality services to the
clients.
Human Resource Department
This department carries out the recruitment, rewards management, learning and development,
employee communications and administration.
Marketing department
This department is responsible for the image maintenance of the institution where they ensure the
company has a good representation.
Finance department
This department involves financial policy and management including cash management, financial
accounting, system and budgetary control. It also deals with controlling of cash around the
organization.
Legal department
Legal department is in charge of all legal activities of the company and responsible for
representing the organization in court issues.
Medical department
Department in charge of health insurance that is insurance that covers the whole or a part of the
risk of a person incurring medical expenses.

10. Engineering Department
Concerned with the optimization of complex processes, systems, or organizations by developing,
improving and implementing integrated systems of people, money, knowledge, information and
equipment. Industrial engineering is central to manufacturing operations.[1]
ICT department
This is department is responsible for all technological issues within the organization and as well
as ensure the smooth running of services needed by the workers and staff respectively.
2.2.1 Board of directors
Comprising a well diversified team of qualified professionals in the Kenyan business sector,
Kenya Ports Auhority has a strong Board of directors who take keen interest in the strategy and
direction of the company Kenya Ports Auhority board of directors is composed of;
1. Dr. Eng. Joseph Njoroge Principal Secretary State Department of Transport
2. Ms. Farida Soud Director
3. Mr. Conrad Thorpe Director
4. Mr. Stephen Gichuhi Director
5. Mr. Philip J.Mainga Kenya Railways MD Director
6. Mr. Oscar M. Eredi Director
The Board of directors ensures the highest standards of Corporate Governance are followed.
Non-executive Directors chair the Audit, Investment, Risk and HR Committees.
They utilize professional services externally for areas requiring specialization .These include
legal, Secretarial, Financial and a host of other services. A panel of experts is maintained and
called upon for professional and expertise where required.

11. Role, Functions and Responsibilities of the Board
Every corporation should be led by an effective Board which exercises leadership, enterprise,
integrity and judgment in directing the corporation and which acts in the best interest of the
organization in a transparent, accountable and responsible manner.
Appointment of Directors
The procedures followed in appointing directors should ensure that only the best qualified
persons who can add value to the organization as directors
Disclosure of interest by directors
On appointment and on a continuous basis all directors should, in good faith, disclose to the
board for recording any business or other interests that is likely to create a potential conflict in
interest.
Succession Planning
In order to ensure continuity of the Board, the appointment of the members of the Board is
staggered and the practice of rotation of directors be applied.

12. CHAPTER 3
3.1 Attachment experiences
General activities I under carried include;
• Lubrication
• Lathe operation and its maintenance
• General safety
• Refrigeration repair
• Welding and fabrication
• Plant equipment and maintenance
• Drilling and gas cutting
• Workshop organization and house keeping
LUBRICATION
Adequate lubrication allows smooth, continuous operation of machine elements, reduces the rate
of wear, and prevents excessive stresses or seizures at bearings. When lubrication breaks down,
components can rub destructively against each other, causing heat, local welding, destructive
damage, and failure.

13. LATHE MACHINE & ITS OPERATIONS
A lathe is a machine tool used for shaping and machining cylindrical workpieces. It rotates the
workpiece on its axis and performs various operations such as cutting, turning, facing, drilling,
and threading.
OPERATIONS
1.
2.
Turning: Removing material from the outer diameter of a workpiece.
Creating a flat surface at the end of a workpiece.
Facing:
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Drilling: Creating holes in the workpiece.
Taper Turning: Gradually changing the diameter of a cylindrical workpiece to create a taper.
Thread Cutting: Creating external or internal threads on the workpiece.
Adding a raised pattern on the surface for improved grip.
Separating a finished part from the remaining stock.
nlarging an existing hole or creating a precise internal diameter.
Cutting narrow channels on the workpiece's surface.
Knurling:
Parting Off:
Boring: E
Grooving:
Polishing and Sanding: Smoothing the surface for a better finish.
REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR
Refrigeration repair involves troubleshooting and fixing issues with refrigeration systems,
including refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and other cooling appliances.
Example of problems in air conditioning and refrigeration include:
1. Compressor Issues:

14. • Problem: Compressor Failure or Malfunction
• Possible Causes: Overheating, electrical issues, or refrigerant-related problems.
• Points of Concern: Check for overheating around the compressor, inspect electrical
connections, and ensure proper refrigerant levels.
2. Condenser Unit:
• Problem: Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils
• Possible Causes: Accumulation of dirt, debris, or foliage around the condenser.
• Points of Concern: Regularly clean the condenser coils, remove debris around the condenser
unit, and ensure proper airflow.
3. Evaporator Coil Issues:
• Problem: Frozen Evaporator Coils
• Possible Causes: Restricted airflow due to dirty filters, low refrigerant levels, or issues with
the blower motor.
• Points of Concern: Change or clean filters regularly, check and adjust refrigerant levels, and
ensure proper functioning of the blower motor.
4. Refrigerant Lines:
• Problem: Refrigerant Leaks
• Possible Causes: Corrosion, damaged pipes, or faulty connections.
• Points of Concern: Regularly inspect refrigerant lines for leaks, repair any damaged
components, and hire a licensed technician for refrigerant-related tasks.
5. Thermostat Issues:
• Problem: Incorrect Temperature Control
• Possible Causes: Faulty calibration, electrical issues, or sensor problems.
• Points of Concern: Calibrate the thermostat, check and replace faulty sensors, and ensure
proper electrical connections.
6. Air Ducts:
• Problem: Leaks, Blockages, or Poor Insulation
• Possible Causes: Damaged ducts, blockages, or inadequate insulation.
• Points of Concern: Regularly inspect and seal ducts, remove obstructions, and improve
insulation to enhance system efficiency.
7. Drain Lines:
• Problem: Clogged Drain Lines
• Possible Causes: Accumulation of dirt, algae, or debris in the drain lines.
• Points of Concern: Regularly clean drain lines to prevent clogs and water damage.
8. Condensate Pan:
• Problem: Damaged or Overflowing Condensate Pan
• Possible Causes: Cracks in the pan or excessive condensate production.
• Points of Concern: Inspect the condensate pan for damage, and ensure it is properly
positioned to avoid overflow.
9. Electrical Components:
• Problem: Faulty Wiring or Loose Connections

15. • Possible Causes: Wear and tear, rodent damage, or poor initial installation.
• Points of Concern: Regularly inspect and tighten electrical connections, replace damaged
wiring, and schedule professional electrical inspections.
10. General Maintenance:
• Problem: Lack of Regular Maintenance
• Possible Causes: Neglecting routine tasks such as filter changes and system inspections.
• Points of Concern: Establish a regular maintenance schedule, including cleaning filters,
inspecting components, and scheduling professional inspections.
WELDING AND FABRICATION AND GAS CUTTING
Welding is a fabrication process that involves the joining of materials, usually metals or
thermoplastics, by causing fusion. This is typically done by melting the workpieces and adding a
filler material to form a joint.
gas cutting.
PLANT EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Repaired various machine apart from Gantry Cranes.
In mobile plant there was regular maintenance of various vehicle i.e trucks and risk stackers
Maintenance include
Gearbox repair……convertor damaged
Replacement of truck pumps
Regular maintenance…..checking coolant and transmission level
Replacement of worn out brakes in trucks
Radiator repair….due to leaking radiator
Filter replacement due to mixture of oil and water
Welding of truck diesel tank due to leaking
Replacement of transmission pump due to leakage
Corrective maintenance

16. Gearbox
The gearbox is of constant-mesh type. Gear-changing is carried out by clutch plates for the various gears
being hydraulically actuated.
The valve body mounted on the side of the gearbox includes spool valves which guide the oil flow to the
various clutches. The spools are activated in turn by solenoid valves. These are activated electrically by
the gear selector in the cab. As an optional extra an automatic gear changing system is available.
The gearbox has four ratios in each direction and is also provided with disengagement, which is actuated
by the brake pedal and comes into operation at a certain brake pressure.
Workshop organization and house keeping
3.2 problems experienced
1.Adapting to workplace.
2.Issuance of personal protective gears (overall and helmet)
1
1.
.
.
.
.
.
.

17. 3.Boredom - this was due to the work being carried out and there was little to learn except that
there was an expectation for the work load to increase at later date.
4. There was no major breakdown to be attended to in some occasions in various departments due
to continued preventive and planned maintenance, hence resulting to less time for exposure
during my attachment period.
5. Maintenance on the gantries was risky due to subjection to great heights and strong winds
7. Securing a place for an attachment was quite hectic, almost ran out of time thanks to Kenya
Ports Authority picking a second slot during the time assigned for attachment
CHAPTER 4
4.1 Knowledge and skills gained
The knowledge and skills acquired during the course of my attachment forms the bedrock of my
future career development. The strategies learnt in industrial maintenance and dealing with
breakdown occurance and the entire activities will go a long way in ensuring my application of
the knowledge and skills in any entity and undertaking that I may find myself into. Therefore, I

18. am confident in applying the knowledge I have learnt in any company that may give me an
opportunity to offer my services in my career.
The profile of skills gained; I have learnt how;
• Practical skills gained through Hands On Experience work on machinery,tools, and
equipment in a real world engineering environment.
• To use organization and planning skills
• Developing the ability to analyze and solve engineering problems whether they are
related to design, manufacturing , or maintenance.
• Important team work is in work place.
• To work in all situations be it under minimal supervision or under pressure
• Acquiring professionalism attitude, time management skills, and a sense or responsibility
in a professional engineering setting.
• Documentation and reporting .
4.2 Strategy for utilization of contacts established during the attachment.
During my attachment at the Kenya Ports Authority, I was Lucky to establish contacts with the
following Key personnel
• William Katande - Ship To Shore Engineer (STS / RMG)
• Mzee Kibwna Generali Mwenyewe - Rubber Tire Gantry Engineer (RTG)
• Elias Wanjau - Spreader Engineer
• Liverson Maganga - Mobile Plant Engineer (MP)
• Salma Essa - Head of Planning
• Safety Inspector
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning (HVAC Technician )

19. They were friendly; I was indebted for their help and assistance during the industrial attachment
period.
CHAPTER 5
5.1 Summary
Based on the above report and skills gained, I believe will be perfect bedrock for my future
career. My work related learning period at the Kenya Ports Auhority really transformed me into a
responsible student who is capable of completely working in an industry. It really gave
experience of the real working environment. I was able to familiarize myself with new ideas and

20. aspects in the Organization. Now I have finalized my attachment period, I will be able to balance
between theories I learnt at school with the practical experience that I gained in the Organization.
The theory that I learnt at school has been transformed to a valuable resource by my time at
Kenya Ports Auhority . I will have a different stance to the modules that I learnt at school
because of the knowledge that I have on the expectation of a Graduate in the society. I have also
been transformed personally by the challenges that I faced during my time in the company as
well as the responsibilities that I was given during my time of attachment. I am able to critically
analyze situations and make rational decisions. I am now capable of being a leader and this is
acquired through being accountable in some tasks, which the management delegated to me. As I
accepted the responsibility, it meant that I would devise means and ways to accomplish assigned
tasks effectively thereby enhancing my leadership qualities and skills. Regularly reporting to the
supervisors, attending meetings and communicating with other engineer supervisors at the
company which boosted my communication skills.
As a student I noticed the way my supervisor addressed the attachees and other workers. I am
now able to carry out duties without constant supervision taking my responsibilities with caution
and perfectness hence I have become self- initiative. I now know a good employee does not
knock-off but I give myself a target on day such that even if knock off time I stay behind to carry
out what has been left.
During my time at Kenya Ports Auhority , I was also groomed to be initiative. I was trained to be
original, creative and came up with new ideas. This will have a significant impact in my work
environment since I will try as much to be creative with knowledge that I obtained at school.

21. 5.2 Conclusion
The Port was a wonderful place for my learning experience. The place is richly equipped with
various mechanical machines which made learning so real and enjoyable. In conjunction with
well trained technicians learning was on another level.
I learnt various tools of trade, how to interact with workmates and how the industry works.
Fellow workmates that is, the technicians and fellow attaches were friendly and always ready to
assist me where necessary. They were always welcoming.
During the twelve weeks, I learnt the following skills in various sections:
1.To carry out maintenance on a generator which included checking battery, its terminals, any
loose connections, checking the running speed (rpm), troubleshooting for any faults. 2. I
learnt installation and repair of a split unit air conditioner. That also included troubleshooting
for faults and carrying out of maintenance services.
3. I also learnt various thread making i.e square and v threads making, making use of the
lathe machine.
4. Learnt carrying out maintenance on STS machines, spreaders and rail mounted gantry
(RMG) and air conditioning maintenance and repair. Mechanical & Electrical part.
5.4 Recommendation
1. KPA should at least extent working hours for attaches as most of the times we were
released at noon and if someone made a personal initiative to extent till in the afternoon, less
attention was witnessed since as a learner I am supposed to be under close supervision.
2. KPA should provide attaches with safety gear equipment as they are somehow expensive
to an extent that some learners chose to do without which is not good for their own safety.
References
1: http://www.Kenya Ports Auhority.co.ke
3. Health and Safety Executive Book