MOMBASA, Kenya – The Port of Mombasa has exhibited remarkable performance in its cargo throughput and revenue generation, defying the broader challenges faced by the global maritime sector, according to recent statistics from the Kenya Port Authority (KPA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the port’s resilience has been evident through a significant increase in its cargo throughput and net revenue, even as maritime routes were disrupted by external pressures, including security concerns in the Red Sea. The KPA reported a net revenue of Sh33.7 billion in the first half of 2024, an increase from Sh27 billion in the corresponding period of 2023.
The port’s managing director, Capt William Ruto, emphasized the strategic importance of Mombasa as a regional maritime hub, with the port achieving a 6.2% increase in cargo throughput in 2023, amounting to 35.98 million metric tons compared to 33.88 million metric tons in 2022. The port also saw a significant uptick in container traffic, with an 11.9% growth year-over-year, highlighting the economic vitality of the East African region.
Furthermore, the port experienced an increase in vessel arrivals, reaching 1,835 in 2023, up from 1,561 in 2022. This rise in activity underscores the port’s critical role in facilitating trade, not only for Kenya but also for neighboring countries, despite varying market dynamics affecting regional transit cargo shares.
Particularly noteworthy is the growth in transit cargo to emerging markets such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscoring the port’s expanding influence in the East African Community. Investments in operational efficiency and infrastructure have been pivotal in enhancing the port’s capacity, evidenced by improvements in vessel and container handling metrics.
Capt Ruto acknowledged the Kenyan government’s support in port infrastructure development, a key factor in the port’s ability to meet escalating trade demands and maintain its competitive edge in the region. These efforts reflect a strategic vision to cement Mombasa’s status as a linchpin in East Africa’s economic framework.
