MOMBASA, Kenya — Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the efficiency, competitiveness and responsiveness of the Port of Mombasa, even as cargo volumes continue to rise and place pressure on the country’s busiest trade gateway.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with port community stakeholders held at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) headquarters in Mombasa, the CS said collaboration among partner government agencies and port users is crucial to improving system interoperability and safeguarding seamless trade flows.
“We remain firmly committed to maintaining the Port of Mombasa’s efficiency, competitiveness and responsiveness to increasing cargo volumes, positioning Kenya as a global logistics hub,” Chirchir said.
We remain firmly committed to maintaining the Port of Mombasa’s efficiency, competitiveness, and responsiveness to increasing cargo volumes, positioning Kenya as a global logistics hub.Today, I held a consultative meeting with Port Community stakeholders at the Kenya Ports
Reforms Delivering Results
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted recent operational progress, noting that coordinated measures by government agencies have reduced the number of vessels waiting at sea from a high of 20 earlier this year to an average of seven currently, a figure he described as “clear evidence that our reforms are delivering results.”
These efforts come amid ongoing concerns about port congestion, vessel backlogs and the economic costs associated with delays — challenges that have periodically affected the port’s performance and placed stress on logistics and trade.
Short‑ and Long‑Term Interventions
To sustain positive momentum and prevent future build‑ups, the government has implemented a range of both short‑ and long‑term interventions:
- Additional berth development at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, aimed at expanding capacity and reducing vessel queuing;
- Full operationalization of the Port of Lamu, envisioned as a complementary gateway to relieve pressure on Mombasa;
- Strategic equipment acquisition and automation initiatives to speed up cargo handling, yard productivity and turn‑around times.
Chirchir said these measures are aligned with Kenya’s broader development agenda and trade goals, including the Vision 2030 blueprint to position the country as a leading logistics and economic hub in the region.
Partnerships, Technology and Policy Support
The Transport Ministry also pledged continued engagement with stakeholders and the adoption of modern technology to enhance port processes.
Favorable trade policies, improved digital integration and capacity expansion will be vital to sustaining growth and competitiveness as cargo volumes rise.
Stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the government’s holistic approach, acknowledging that a combination of infrastructure investment, governance reforms and digitalisation are key to overcoming both cyclical and structural challenges facing the port.
