Cargo volumes handled through the Port of Mombasa rose to a record 45.45 million metric tonnes in 2025, marking a 10.9 per cent increase compared to 2024, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has said.
According to KPA, the increase represents an additional 4.46 million metric tonnes, up from 40.99 million metric tonnes handled in 2024.
Container traffic also recorded notable growth, reaching 2.11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, compared to 2.00 million TEUs the previous year.
The Authority stated that this reflects an increase of 109,797 TEUs, or 5.5 per cent.
Speaking during a media briefing to release the Authority’s performance outlook for 2025, KPA Managing Director William Ruto said the improved performance reflects sustained growth across all port facilities.
“Cargo volumes through the Port of Mombasa have continued to grow, supported by improved operational efficiency and rising regional demand,” Ruto said.
He noted that transit cargo recorded even stronger growth, rising to 15.88 million metric tonnes in 2025 from 13.29 million metric tonnes in 2024. This translates to an increase of 2.59 million metric tonnes, or 19.5 per cent.
Ruto said all ports under KPA registered growth, with the Port of Lamu posting the highest improvement.
“The Port of Lamu handled 799,161 metric tonnes in 2025, up from 74,380 metric tonnes recorded the previous year, mainly driven by containerised cargo,” he said.
He added that the port processed 55,687 TEUs during the period, attributing the performance to increased shipping activity.
“With more shipping lines introducing regular services at Lamu, this is a promise for more cargo volumes through the port in the subsequent years,” Capt. Ruto said.
Growth was also recorded at the inland waterway port of Kisumu, which handled 496,516 metric tonnes in 2025, compared to 295,516 metric tonnes in 2024.
This represents a 55 per cent increase, or 163,085 metric tonnes.
The KPA managing director attributed the performance to ongoing and planned investments aimed at boosting capacity and efficiency.
“We are developing infrastructure to meet rising demand, including the expansion of berths and yard space,” Capt. Ruto said.
He noted that the expansion of berths 19B, 23, and 24 will create an additional 1.4 million TEUs of capacity once completed.
Capt. Ruto also said the Authority is upgrading its Terminal Operating System, which is currently 40 per cent complete, alongside gate automation, with 60 per cent completion achieved for gates 23 and 24.
“Acquisition and modernisation of equipment is at an advanced stage, even as we continue to enhance collaboration with industry players to streamline services,” he said.
KPA said the ongoing improvements are expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional maritime and logistics hub.
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