Mombasa Port Sees 300% Surge in Transshipment Traffic Amid Festive Season
The Port of Mombasa has experienced a remarkable 300% increase in transshipment traffic, with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) attributing the surge to a combination of government interventions and seasonal trade activity. According to KPA, the growth is partly due to the festive season, when demand for imported goods rises, and the cashew nut export season from the nearby Port of Mtwara in Tanzania. Shipping lines have responded by increasing vessel arrivals, further boosting cargo throughput and positioning Mombasa as a key regional hub.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto explained that major shipping companies have added six additional feeder vessels to link regional ports with global networks, facilitating smoother cargo flow to East African ports and the Indian Ocean Islands. Between 17 and 28 December 2024, the port was scheduled to handle 41 vessels, with numbers expected to grow as the festive season continues. One leading shipping line reportedly increased its calls to 20 vessels per month, demonstrating Mombasa’s growing importance in transshipment operations for the region.
The surge in vessel traffic has prompted the port authority to implement measures to ensure operational efficiency. KPA is coordinating with stakeholders, including the Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA), and Kenya Railways, to maintain smooth evacuation of cargo along the Northern Corridor. We are making every effort to manage the increased traffic and ensure timely clearance of goods, Captain Ruto said, highlighting the proactive steps taken to prevent congestion and delays.
The increased port activity is expected to have positive economic ripple effects for Mombasa and the wider region, supporting trade, creating employment, and enhancing supply chain efficiency. Analysts note that sustained growth in transshipment traffic could cement Mombasa’s status as a leading East African logistics hub. With continued coordination between government agencies and private shipping lines, the port is poised to handle even greater volumes in the future, reinforcing Kenya’s strategic position in regional and international maritime trade.