A probable RNA chaperone. Forms a complex with KhpB which presumably binds to about 170 cellular RNAs (mRNA, tRNA intergenic RNA and sRNAs); the proteins alone each bind the same set of RNAs. A mutation in this gene suppresses the requirement for PBP2b (penA, a transpeptidase) in peripheral peptidogylcan (PG) synthesis (PubMed:28941257). Probably plays a role in PG homeostasis and regulating peripheral PG synthesis (PubMed:28941257). Forms a complex with KhpB (By similarity) (PubMed:28941257). KhpA and KhpB colocalize throughout the cell cycle, with some increase at midcell in dividing cells (PubMed:28941257). Some protein localizes to midcell in the septal area, the rest remains in the cytoplasm. Suppresses a pbp2b (penA) deletion, grows slowly and is smaller than wild-type; about 50% of the volume of wild-type cells. Increased accumulation of FtsA and FtsZ proteins. Significant up-regulation of genes of the WalRK regulon. Also partially suppresses deletions in other genes involved in peripheral PG synthesis; gpsB, mreCD, rodA and rodZ but not cozE or mltG. Slight increase in net phosphorylation (by StpK/PhpP) of DivIA, slight decrease in phosphorylation of MapZ/StpK. Double khpA-khpB deletions have the same phenotypes. Belongs to the KhpA RNA-binding protein family.