The Port of Mombasa, a vital trade hub in East Africa, has reported impressive growth in cargo throughput in the first nine months of 2024. According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the port processed a total of 29.92 million tonnes of cargo, marking a significant increase of 3.23 million tonnes or 12.1 percent compared to the 26.68 million tonnes handled during the same period in 2023. This growth highlights the port’s pivotal role in facilitating trade and connectivity in the region.
Growth in Container Traffic
One of the most notable aspects of this growth is in container traffic, with the port processing 1,461,736 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) during the period under review. This figure reflects a substantial increase from the 1,191,282 TEUs handled in the same period in 2023, resulting in an impressive growth of 270,454 TEUs or 22.7 percent.
The KPA has also highlighted an extraordinary rise in transshipment traffic, which surged by 216,339 TEUs or 162.8 percent. This increase indicates a growing trend of utilizing the Port of Mombasa as a transshipment hub for goods moving to and from various destinations. Furthermore, both imports and exports showed moderate growth during this period, with imports increasing by 27,656 TEUs (5.2 percent) and exports rising by 22,273 TEUs (4.3 percent).
Significant Improvement in Transit Cargo
The report also noted a remarkable improvement in transit cargo, with total transit volumes reaching 9.83 million tonnes, up from 8.36 million tonnes in 2023. This represents a variance of 1,469,540 tonnes or 17.6 percent. A key player in this growth has been Uganda, which contributed 1,132,326 tonnes or 21.9 percent to the overall performance of the port. This demonstrates the essential role the Port of Mombasa plays in facilitating trade not only for Kenya but also for its landlocked neighbors.
Monthly Performance Highlights
Focusing on the month of September 2024, the Port of Mombasa handled a total of 3,415,174 tonnes of cargo, which is a remarkable increase compared to the 2,763,987 tonnes recorded in the same month in 2023. This represents an increment of 651,187 tonnes or 23.6 percent. The monthly figures indicate a consistent upward trajectory in cargo handling, reinforcing the port’s capacity and operational efficiency.
Factors Contributing to Growth
KPA Managing Director William Ruto attributed this growth to the dedication and hard work of the workforce, alongside the support from various partners and stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in services and facilities to meet the growing demand, stating, “We are committed to enhancing our services and facilities to accommodate the growing demand and continue to support the region’s economic development.”
The collaboration between KPA, the government, and various stakeholders has been crucial in implementing measures that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operations at the port. This includes investments in technology, infrastructure improvements, and streamlined processes to ensure timely cargo handling and clearance.
Strategic Importance of the Port
The Port of Mombasa remains a critical hub for trade in East Africa, serving not only Kenya but also several neighboring countries. Its strategic location along the Indian Ocean provides a gateway for imports and exports, making it an essential asset for regional economic development. The port’s ability to accommodate larger vessels and handle increased cargo volumes has positioned it as a preferred choice for shipping lines and traders.
As East Africa continues to experience economic growth, the demand for efficient and reliable trade routes will only increase. The Port of Mombasa’s recent performance underscores its importance in meeting this demand and facilitating regional trade.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the KPA plans to further enhance its capabilities and services to maintain this positive momentum. Investments in modernizing infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and expanding capacity will be key to ensuring the port can handle future growth.
Additionally, with ongoing regional integration efforts and initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the potential for increased trade through the Port of Mombasa is significant. The KPA aims to position the port as a leading logistics and transit hub in Africa, capitalizing on its strategic advantages and fostering stronger trade relationships within the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Port of Mombasa’s impressive growth in cargo throughput in 2024 is a testament to its critical role in facilitating trade and economic development in East Africa. The notable increases in container traffic, transit cargo, and overall cargo volumes reflect the port’s enhanced capacity and operational efficiency. As the region continues to grow and evolve, the Port of Mombasa is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping trade dynamics and supporting economic progress in the years to come.
With ongoing investments and improvements, the KPA is committed to ensuring that the Port of Mombasa remains a vital link in the supply chain for both local and international markets. The continued collaboration with stakeholders and the focus on enhancing services will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
