The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Shippers Council of East Africa (SCEA) have agreed on a set of urgent measures to ease operational pressure at the Port of Mombasa following a sharp increase in cargo volumes that has strained available space and slowed operations.

The resolutions were reached during a stakeholders’ meeting amid growing concern within the logistics and shipping sector over congestion risks and the growing accumulation of empty containers at the port.

Speaking during the meeting, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto acknowledged the mounting pressure on port operations but assured stakeholders that corrective steps were already underway.

“The growth in cargo throughput at the Port of Mombasa is a positive indicator of regional trade expansion. However, this growth must be matched with responsive infrastructure and operational efficiency,” Captain Ruto said.

Over the past two years, the Port of Mombasa has experienced significant growth in cargo throughput, driven by stronger regional trade and increased demand from Kenya’s hinterland and neighbouring countries.

A major challenge has been the imbalance between imports and exports, which has resulted in a large number of empty containers occupying valuable yard space.

To address these challenges, KPA and SCEA agreed on several targeted interventions aimed at improving efficiency and reducing congestion. One of the key measures includes the rehabilitation of Berth 19B and the development of a dedicated yard for empty containers.

This is expected to separate empty container operations from laden cargo handling, freeing up critical operational space and improving yard planning and flow management.

“The rehabilitation of Berth 19B and the creation of a dedicated empty container yard will significantly improve yard utilisation and vessel turnaround times,” he added.

In addition, KPA plans to upgrade the Terminal Operating System (TOS) and automate Gates 23 and 24 to enhance cargo tracking, reduce manual processes, and speed up gate transactions. The automation is expected to improve truck turnaround times and ease congestion along port access routes, a long-standing concern for transporters and clearing agents.

The Authority also intends to acquire additional cargo handling equipment to strengthen capacity, reduce vessel waiting times, and support faster container movement within the terminal. Stakeholders emphasised that infrastructure and operational improvements must keep pace with rising cargo volumes to sustain efficiency and competitiveness.

As a major gateway serving East and Central African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the smooth functioning of the Port of Mombasa remains critical for regional trade. The agreed measures reflect a coordinated effort by port authorities and industry players to manage growth proactively, improve efficiency, and safeguard the port’s strategic role in regional logistics.