MOMBASA, Kenya — The Kenya Ports Authority has unveiled fresh plans to expand and modernise the Port of Mombasa as part of efforts to strengthen its position as a regional logistics and trade hub serving East and Central Africa.
The plans were outlined during talks held on Wednesday between KPA officials and a delegation from the United Kingdom Defence Academy visiting the port facility.
Speaking on behalf of KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto, General Manager for Infrastructure Development Mathews Amuti said the Port of Mombasa had recorded significant growth in container traffic due to sustained investments in infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Amuti disclosed that KPA has already commenced construction of Berth 19B as well as Berths 23 and 24 to increase cargo handling capacity and support rising regional trade volumes.
He said the authority is also modernising inland container depots to reduce congestion at the seaport and improve cargo movement to destinations across Kenya and neighbouring countries.
“The focus remains on improving efficiency while positioning our facilities to serve as integrated logistics centers for the wider East and Central African region,” Amuti said.
According to KPA, the expansion strategy is being supported through partnerships with development agencies, including the European Union and TradeMark Africa, which have financed infrastructure projects and capacity-building programmes.
The Port of Mombasa remains Kenya’s largest seaport and serves as a key gateway for regional trade, handling cargo destined for Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and parts of Tanzania.
The authority has in recent years pursued aggressive infrastructure upgrades aimed at increasing throughput, reducing turnaround times, and enhancing competitiveness against rival regional ports.
The visiting UK delegation was led by Felix Gedney OBE, who commended the port’s operational improvements and security coordination efforts.
Obe said collaboration between security agencies and operational stakeholders had played a critical role in maintaining efficiency and supporting the port’s expanding role in regional commerce.
The expansion also comes amid growing competition among African ports seeking to capture increasing cargo flows driven by regional infrastructure development, population growth, and expanding intra-African trade.
KPA officials say the new berths and logistics upgrades are expected to ease congestion, improve cargo handling speed, and support long-term economic growth by strengthening trade connectivity across the region.
