Port of Mombasa records 10.9pc cargo growth in 2025

By Mbungu Harrison

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The Port of Mombasa recorded a historic performance in 2025, handling 45.45 million metric tonnes of cargo, up from 40.99 million tonnes in 2024, representing a 10.9 per cent increase, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto has announced

Speaking during a media briefing in Mombasa onThursday, Capt. Ruto said the growth reflects rising regional trade, renewed economic activity and the impact of ongoing port modernisation initiatives.

Container traffic also rose during the year, with the port handling 2.11 million TEUs, compared to 2.00 million TEUs in 2024, an increase of 109,797 TEUs or 5.5 per cent.

“This represents a substantial increase of 4.46 million tonnes and reflects a significant growth in regional trade which calls for capacity expansion to meet trade demands,” he said

Overall import and export volumes posted strong performance, with imports climbing to 36 million tonnes, up from 30 million tonnes in 2024, translating to 20.1 per cent growth.

Export volumes increased marginally to 5.03 million tonnes, from 4.96 million tonnes, representing a 1.3 per cent rise.

The domestic cargo market strengthened, with market share expanding from 53.1 per cent to 55.4 per cent, while volumes grew by 16.1 per cent, equivalent to 3.50 million tonnes.

“This indicates sustained economic activity and a renewed trade demand ecosystem supported by improved logistics and streamlined cargo clearance processes,” Capt. Ruto said.

Transit cargo continued to show impressive growth, rising to 15.88 million tonnes from 13.29 million tonnes in 2024, a 19.5 per cent increase.

Uganda led growth among transit markets at 25.2 per cent, followed by Rwanda at 22.8 per cent, the Democratic Republic of Congo at 16.5 per cent, and Tanzania at 11.0 per cent.

“All major transit markets delivered significant improvement, reaffirming Mombasa’s position as the most reliable and preferred trade corridor in the region,” he said

However, transshipment traffic declined by 22.3 per cent to 385,656 TEUs, down from 496,034 TEUs in 2024, a trend Capt. Ruto attributed to global shipping dynamics, geopolitics and changes in shipping line rotations.

Other KPA-managed facilities also recorded strong growth. The Port of Lamu handled 799,161 tonnes of cargo, up sharply from 74,380 tonnes the previous year, driven mainly by containerised cargo, while total container traffic stood at 55,687 TEUs.

“With more shipping lines introducing regular services at Lamu, this is a promise for more cargo volumes through the port in the subsequent years,” Capt. Ruto said.

The Port of Kisumu also sustained growth following its revamp, handling 496,516 tonnes of cargo in 2025 compared to 295,516 tonnes in 2024, representing a 55 per cent increase.

Vessel calls at the Port of Mombasa rose to 1,955 ships in 2025, up from 1,873 vessels in 2024, reflecting increased confidence by shipping lines in the port’s efficiency.

To sustain growth, Capt. Ruto said KPA is investing heavily in infrastructure and systems, including the rehabilitation of Berth 19B, currently 30 per cent complete, and the planned construction of Berths 23 and 24, which will add 1.4 million TEUs to the port’s capacity.

Other initiatives include the construction of Dongo Kundu Berth One at 15 per cent completion, upgrading of the Terminal Operating System at 40 per cent completion, automation of port gates, and an advanced equipment modernisation programme.

KPA is also working closely with stakeholders, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, to streamline operations, and has completed the Shimoni Fish Port, aimed at supporting the blue economy and boosting fish exports.

Additionally, KPA recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Rwandan government to operationalise the Kigali Liaison Office, enhance service delivery and strengthen transit trade.

Capt. Ruto who was flanked by KPA top management said the Authority has made progress in compensating 4,734 fisherfolk in Lamu, with phase one nearing completion and phase two set to focus on economic empowerment.

“Our outstanding performance in 2025 underscores KPA’s central role in facilitating regional and international trade. We remain steadfast in harnessing innovation, expanding capacity and strengthening partnerships to ensure we meet growing market demand,” he said.