KMA New Directives to Streamline Container Management at Port of Mombasa

By Mbungu Harrison & Mwakwaya Raymond

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has announced new measures to improve the management and evacuation of empty containers at the Port of Mombasa in an effort to ease congestion and enhance efficiency in port operations.

The directives, issued by KMA director general CPA. Omae Nyarandi, follow resolutions passed by the executive committee on Streamlining Empty Container Handling during a meeting held on September 26, 2025, at Bahari Towers, Mombasa.

According to the notice, all shipping lines and shipping agents operating at the Port of Mombasa are required to expedite the evacuation of empty containers currently lying within the port and at the Port Reitz interchange.

Sweeper trucks will be made available to support timely movement and decongestion of container yards and depots.

“We are committed to ensuring smoother logistics and faster turnaround times at our ports. The evacuation of empty containers is a critical part of achieving operational efficiency,” said CPA. Omae Nyarandi.

The KMA further clarified that demurrage charges will cease to accrue once it is confirmed that an empty container has arrived at its designated drop-off depot, even if it cannot be offloaded immediately due to capacity constraints.

This measure aims to reduce unnecessary costs for shipping lines and enhance the flow of container traffic through the port.

On container guarantee documentation, the authority directed that when a single container guarantee covers multiple containers, the first container gated into the pre-advised depot should present the original guarantee, while subsequent containers may present copies.

This adjustment is expected to simplify administrative processes and prevent delays in cargo clearance.

In addition, KMA encouraged shipping lines to maximize the use of the Port of Lamu for transshipment operations.

The move is aimed at reducing congestion at the Port of Mombasa and spreading maritime activity across Kenya’s expanding port infrastructure.

“The Port of Lamu offers immense potential for transshipment and regional trade. By optimizing its use, we can significantly decongest Mombasa and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness as a maritime hub,” Nyarandi added.

KMA has pledged to continue monitoring compliance with these directives and to hold follow-up meetings with shipping lines to review progress on implementation.

The new measures underscore the authority’s commitment to improving port efficiency, supporting Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda, and maintaining the country’s position as a leading maritime gateway for East and Central Africa.