MV SH Diana’s Grand Return Boosts Cruise Tourism at Port of Mombasa
KPA Managing Director Captain William addressing the Media at Shimoni fish Port.(Photo/ Courtesy)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The Port of Mombasa sustained a growth trend of cruise vessel arrivals, which is a major boost to the tourism sector.
Players say the growth trend of cruise tourism underscores the Port of Mombasa’s rising profile as a gateway for global maritime tourism.
The latest arrival is that of luxurious cruise ship _MV SH Diana_ received at the Port of Mombasa on Wednesday, following its early Tuesday docking. It is the vessel’s third visit to the coastal city.
The ship, carrying 120 passengers and 129 crew members, completed a scenic five-day voyage along Kenya’s coastline, with memorable stopovers in Shimoni and Lamu before its final arrival in Mombasa.
The arrival turned into a festive occasion, attended by senior tourism and port officials led by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chairman Benjamin Tayari and Managing Director Capt William Ruto.
During a colourful reception held at the Mombasa Cruise Terminal, Tayari commended the government’s efforts to streamline the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, noting that the improved efficiency in processing travel documents has significantly boosted the number of international visitors arriving by sea.
“The government’s commitment to simplifying travel procedures is clearly paying off.We are seeing a steady increase in cruise tourism arrivals, and this reflects the growing confidence global travelers have in Kenya as a destination. More targeted marketing strategies will further elevate the coastal tourism economy,”Tayari said.
Echoing the chairman’s sentiments, KPA Managing Director Capt William Ruto expressed optimism about the future of Kenya’s cruise tourism industry.
“We’ve witnessed an impressive rise in cruise passenger numbers — from just 646 in 2020 to over 6,500 in 2024.This growth shows Kenya’s immense potential in the cruise tourism sector, and we are confident this season will surpass all expectations,” Capt Ruto noted.
The MD reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to strengthening maritime infrastructure to support the sector, emphasizing that continued investment will help position Kenya as a leading cruise destination in the region.
“Our goal is to make Mombasa and the Kenyan coast a preferred stop for international cruise liners,” he quipped, adding:
“The strong collaboration between KPA, the Kenya Tourism Board, and the national government particularly in ensuring safe waters and efficient port operations is key to achieving this vision”.
The event was attended by key tourism stakeholders, including Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Acting CEO Mr Allan Njoroge, KPA General Manager for Corporate Services Mr Edward Kamau, Manager of Corporate Communication Mr Jones Buchere, KPA Cruise Facilitation Team Chairman Mr Mohamed Mwazuzu, and senior officials from the county government.
