MOMBASA, Kenya – The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced sweeping increases to port service charges at Mombasa, sparking outrage from transporters and clearing agents who warn the move could divert business to rival ports in the region.
The new tariffs — the first major revision since 2012 — will take effect on September 15, 2025.
They cover a wide range of services, including marine operations, ship dues, stevedoring, shore handling, wharfage, storage, and other general port operations.
KPA says the rates, approved by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, were developed after consultations with stakeholders in Kenya and East Africa, and are in line with its legal mandate under Section 30 of the Kenya Ports Authority Act.
“These charges shall apply equally to all port users, including shipping lines, cargo agents, charterers, brokers, freight forwarders, consolidators, shippers, and consignees,” the authority said in a notice.
But industry players are pushing back, citing sharp fee hikes and new levies that they say will burden businesses and push trade away from Mombasa.
Kenya Transporters Association chairman Newton Wang’oo said the cost of port passes alone will jump fivefold, from Sh3,000 to Sh15,000.
“The increment will not only affect Kenyan trucks but also East African transporters who have other options. We have Dar es Salaam right on our doorstep, and it can be another option,” Wang’oo warned.
Clearing and forwarding agents are also protesting the introduction of a $300 (Sh38,760) annual operations licence fee, arguing it is unlawful since they are already licensed by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
“This is the first time KPA is bringing in the charges, which only apply to Kenyan ports,” said former Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association chairman Roy Mwanthi. “Agents pay $300 to KRA for licensing, which regulates them; hence, the new fee is illegal.”
Mombasa-based agent Leonard Njiru said the changes will further squeeze the sector, especially after Tanzania barred Kenyan agents from working at its ports earlier this month.
“We have lost business in Dar es Salaam, and now the Kenyan government has introduced charges which will ultimately affect our operations,” Njiru said.
The tariff overhaul comes despite Mombasa Port recording an 8.1% cargo throughput growth this year.
But with regional competition from Dar es Salaam intensifying, critics say the new rates could undercut Kenya’s position as East Africa’s main gateway for imports and exports.
