The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa have agreed on new measures aimed at improving efficiency and easing congestion at the Port of Mombasa, following a sharp rise in cargo volumes.
The agreement was reached during a stakeholders’ engagement session held today, where industry players acknowledged that the port has been under growing pressure over the last two years.
“With the Port of Mombasa experiencing an exponential rise in cargo volumes over the last two years, the industry has had to devise new ways to solve some of the infrastructural and operational constraints that have been experienced,” KPA said in a statement.
To address the challenges, the two agencies will begin a series of upgrades at the port. These include the rehabilitation of Berth 19B and the construction of a dedicated yard for empty containers to help reduce congestion.
KPA will also upgrade its Terminal Operating System and automate Gates 23 and 24, a move expected to speed up cargo clearance and improve traffic flow within the port.
In addition, the authority plans to acquire new cargo-handling equipment to improve turnaround times and support the growing demand at the port.
KPA says the measures are part of a broader effort to modernise port operations and strengthen Mombasa’s position as a leading trade gateway in the region.
