Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining efficiency and competitiveness at the Port of Mombasa amid rising cargo volumes.
Speaking during a consultative session with port community stakeholders at the headquarters of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the CS called for closer collaboration among government agencies and port users to improve system interoperability and safeguard trade flows.
Vessel Backlog Reduced from 20 to Seven
Chirchir noted that coordinated operational measures by key government agencies have reduced vessel waiters from a high of 20 earlier this year to seven currently.
The improvement comes as cargo throughput continues to rise, placing sustained pressure on port infrastructure and logistics systems.
Long-Term and Short-Term Measures Announced
The Cabinet Secretary outlined both immediate and structural interventions aimed at easing congestion and strengthening capacity, including:
- Additional berth development at Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone
- Full operationalization of the Port of Lamu
- Acquisition of additional cargo handling equipment
- Increased automation to improve efficiency
He also urged cargo interveners to adopt a 24/7 working schedule to complement KPA’s efforts in accelerating cargo evacuation.
KPA Awards Tenders for New Equipment
KPA Managing Director William Ruto announced that the Authority has awarded tenders for additional cargo handling equipment to enhance vessel and yard productivity.
The new equipment includes:
- 14 Reach Stackers
- 43 Terminal Tractors
- 11 Fork Lifts
- 10 Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes
- 2 Ship-to-Shore Gantry Cranes
According to Capt. Ruto, the acquisition forms part of a structured capacity enhancement programme aligned with rising cargo throughput to mitigate congestion risks during peak periods.
Cargo Throughput Hits 45.46 Million Tons in 2025
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar congratulated KPA following the Port of Mombasa’s performance of 45.46 million tons of cargo in 2025, compared to 41 million tons recorded in 2024.
The growth reflects continued expansion in regional trade volumes, with the port serving as a key gateway for Kenya and several landlocked East African countries.
Stakeholders at the meeting commended KPA leadership for its hands-on operational approach and engagement with port users.
GOE Act to Restructure State Corporations
Chirchir also announced that under the Government Owned Enterprises Act, commercially viable state corporations such as KPA will operate as Public Limited Companies to enhance accountability and profitability.
He said implementation of the Government Owned Enterprises Act 2025 is expected to streamline governance, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen decision-making processes across state corporations.
“The GOE will be a big game changer to allow organizations like KPA to be run like the private sector,” Chirchir said.
