Kenya’s largest seaport, the Port of Mombasa, saw significant cargo growth during the first nine months of 2024, handling 29.92 million tonnes of cargo. This marks a notable increase from the 26.68 million tonnes managed during the same period in 2023. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) highlighted this growth of 3.24 million tonnes, or 12.1%, as an indicator of the port’s ability to handle increased trade volumes despite global economic challenges.
A key element of this growth was the increase in container traffic, which surged by 22.7%. In 2024, Mombasa handled 1.46 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up from 1.19 million TEUs in 2023. This rise in container traffic demonstrates the port’s improved efficiency and growing importance in regional trade.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto attributed this success to the hard work of the port’s workforce and the collaborative efforts of various partners and stakeholders. He also noted a dramatic rise in transshipment traffic, which grew by 162.8%, adding 216,339 TEUs to the port’s total.
The improvement was not limited to container traffic. Both imports and exports also experienced moderate growth. Imports increased by 5.2%, reaching 27,656 TEUs, while exports rose by 4.3%, totaling 22,273 TEUs. This reflects the port’s ability to manage a balanced flow of goods, despite external economic pressures.
A significant part of this overall growth can be attributed to transit cargo, which climbed by 17.6%. The total transit volume reached 9.83 million tonnes, compared to 8.36 million tonnes in 2023. This rise of 1.47 million tonnes highlights Mombasa’s strategic role in facilitating trade for neighboring countries.
Uganda played a major role in this improvement. The KPA reported that Uganda contributed an additional 1.13 million tonnes of cargo to the port’s throughput, representing a 21.9% increase. Uganda’s growing economy and reliance on the Port of Mombasa for imports and exports underscore the critical role the port plays in regional trade.
The KPA also reported an impressive increase in full transshipment traffic volumes, which surged by 300.6%, equivalent to an additional 24,748 TEUs. This spike in transshipment traffic was largely due to the diversion of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, as well as ongoing congestion at other major ports like Dar es Salaam and Durban. These diversions provided a windfall for Mombasa, contributing to the impressive growth in cargo handled.
Analysts note that the port’s continued expansion and ongoing infrastructural investments are setting it on track to meet its 2024 targets. Mombasa remains a crucial hub for trade in East Africa, and these positive results reflect its strategic importance in connecting the region to global markets.
With strong performances across the board and growing partnerships with neighboring countries like Uganda, the Port of Mombasa is poised to continue its role as a vital gateway for East African trade.
| Year | Total Cargo Handled (Tonnes) | Container Traffic (TEUs) | Transit Cargo (Tonnes) | Uganda’s Contribution (Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26.68 million | 1.19 million | 8.36 million | N/A |
| 2024 (First 9 Months) | 29.92 million | 1.46 million | 9.83 million | 1.13 million |
