KPA Bets on Asian Market as Ship Calls Hit Nine

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya is seeking to widen its share of the global cruise tourism market beyond its traditional European and North American bases.

This is, as the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) confirms improved port infrastructure and growing interest from Asian cruise operators, will cement Mombasa’s position as a regional cruise hub.

The strategy gained momentum on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 when MS Viking Yidun made its maiden call at the Port of Mombasa prompting KPA managing director Captain William Ruto to project more than 20 cruise vessel calls by the end of the year.

According to him the arrival of the Viking Cruises ship marks a strategic shift for Kenya’s cruise tourism.

“It is the first Asian-sourced cruise vessel to dock at the Port of Mombasa this season broadening a market that has traditionally been dominated by cruise lines operating from Europe and the United States,” he said.

The move signals KPA’s efforts to diversify source markets while strengthening Mombasa’s position along international cruise itineraries.

A tourist taking a jig with a local traditional dancer. (Photo By wakwaya Raymond)

The latest figures from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) shows that 4,889 cruise passengers arrived aboard nine ships between October 2025 and June 2026 compared with 4,205 passengers on five vessels during the corresponding period a year earlier.

That represents a 16.3 per cent increase in passenger arrivals and an 80 per cent rise in ship calls reflecting stronger cruise line confidence in Mombasa as a destination.

MS Viking Yidun carried 717 passengers and 489 crew members representing 16 nationalities, underscoring the port’s growing appeal to long-haul international cruise operators.

KPA attributes the improved performance to investments at Berth No.1 which have enhanced vessel handling efficiency and reduced turnaround times.

Industry players view the latest call as further evidence of Kenya’s recovering cruise tourism sector.

Hotelier Mohamed Hersi says the sector is on target to hit three million international visitor numbers.

“We are very much on target to hit 3 million cruise visitors numbers and this is commendable,” he said.

Mombasa County government, through representative, Mohamed Ali, framed the docking as a direct tourism multiplier given the vessel’s two-day layover for excursions to parks and coastal attractions.