MOMBASA, Kenya — Kenya Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer William Ruto has praised employees for their role in improving efficiency at the Port of Mombasa, saying teamwork and commitment have strengthened the facility’s position as a leading regional trade gateway.
Speaking after a two-day engagement session with employees from different departments at the Port of Mombasa, Capt. Ruto outlined the Authority’s strategic direction and reiterated management’s commitment to workers’ welfare and operational excellence.
The KPA boss said employees had played a central role in transforming operations at the port through improved service delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction, factors he said continue to attract regional and international cargo traffic.
“My leadership gives priority to workers’ welfare because without a dedicated workforce, we cannot meet our targets,” Capt. Ruto said during the engagement.
The sessions gave employees an opportunity to interact directly with senior management and discuss the Authority’s plans to exceed last year’s performance targets amid rising cargo volumes and increased regional trade demand.
According to KPA figures, the Port of Mombasa handled 45.45 million metric tons of cargo last year, up from 40.99 million metric tons recorded in 2024. Container traffic also exceeded 2.11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), reflecting continued growth in cargo throughput and operational efficiency.
The improved performance comes as the Port of Mombasa continues to expand its role as a strategic logistics hub serving Kenya and neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
KPA has, in recent years, intensified modernization efforts aimed at improving competitiveness against rival regional ports.
The Authority has invested in berth expansion, cargo handling equipment, and automation systems to support growing trade volumes linked to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and expanding intra-African commerce.
Capt. Ruto said management would continue prioritizing collaboration with employees to sustain operational gains and improve service standards at the port.
The Port of Mombasa remains one of the busiest seaports in Africa and a key contributor to Kenya’s revenue collection, trade facilitation, and economic growth.
