The Port of Mombasa has recorded its highest cargo throughput in history, handling 45.45 million metric tonnes between January and December 2025, according to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

This represents a 10.9 per cent growth, equivalent to 4.46 million metric tonnes, compared to 2024 when the port handled 40.99 million metric tonnes, underscoring Mombasa’s growing role as a key regional maritime gateway.

Container traffic also registered notable growth, reaching 2.11 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), up from 2.00 million TEUs in 2024 — an increase of 109,797 TEUs, or 5.5 per cent.

Speaking during a media briefing to release the Kenya Ports Authority performance outlook for 2025, KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto said the strong performance reflects increased trade activity and continued investments in port infrastructure.

“The Port of Mombasa has continued to register impressive growth across all key indicators, driven by rising demand, improved efficiency and sustained collaboration with industry players,” said Capt. Ruto.

Transit cargo mirrored the upward trend, rising to 15.88 million metric tonnes from 13.29 million metric tonnes in 2024, translating to a growth of 2.59 million metric tonnes, or 19.5 per cent.

Capt. Ruto noted that all port facilities under KPA recorded growth, with the Port of Lamu posting the highest percentage improvement.

The Port of Lamu handled 799,161 metric tonnes in 2025, a sharp increase from 74,380 metric tonnes recorded the previous year, largely driven by containerised cargo.

The port also processed 55,687 TEUs during the period.

“With more shipping lines introducing regular services at Lamu, this is a promise for increased cargo volumes through the port in the subsequent years,” Capt. Ruto said.

Significant gains were also recorded at the inland waterway port of Kisumu, which processed 496,516 metric tonnes in 2025, up from 295,516 metric tonnes in 2024 — representing a 55 per cent growth, or 163,085 metric tonnes.

The KPA Managing Director attributed the strong performance to ongoing and planned infrastructure upgrades aimed at meeting rising demand.

These include the expansion of berths and yard space, notably berths 19B, 23 and 24, which are expected to add an additional 1.4 million TEUs in capacity.

"We are investing heavily in infrastructure development to ensure our ports remain efficient and competitive in the region,” said Capt. Ruto.

He further disclosed that the upgrade of the Terminal Operating System is currently 40 per cent complete, while gate automation works at gates 23 and 24 have reached 60 per cent completion.

Acquisition and modernisation of equipment are also at an advanced stage, alongside enhanced collaboration with