KPA steps up port expansion to handle rising cargo volumes

• The projects include the construction of Dongo Kundu Berth One and Berth 19B at the Port of Mombasa, with the latter expected to increase annual container-handling capacity by approximately 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

File image of KPA MD Capt. William Kipkemboi Ruto during a past meeting in his office. PHOTO | COURTESY

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is expanding port infrastructure and investing in technology to increase cargo-handling capacity and improve efficiency at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu amid growing regional trade.

The projects include the construction of Dongo Kundu Berth One and Berth 19B at the Port of Mombasa, with the latter expected to increase annual container-handling capacity by approximately 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

KPA Chief Executive Officer Capt. William K. Ruto said the investments were aimed at strengthening port capacity, improving operational efficiency and preparing for future growth in regional trade.

His remarks were delivered by General Manager for Corporate Services Edward Kamau during the KPA Corporate Golf Tournament and Stakeholders Dinner at VetLab Sports Club in Nairobi on Friday.

Ruto attributed the growth in cargo volumes to sustained investment in infrastructure, modern cargo-handling equipment, technology and operational improvements designed to reduce vessel turnaround times and speed up the movement of goods.

Dongo Kundu Berth One is expected to support industrial development within the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, creating opportunities for trade and investment along the Coast.

The Authority is also accelerating its digital transformation through the introduction of a modern Terminal Operating System and a Smart Gate System to improve cargo tracking, security, operational efficiency and customer experience.

The investments come as competition among regional ports intensifies, with shipping lines, importers and exporters increasingly considering turnaround times, logistics costs and reliability when choosing trade routes.

Ruto said the Port of Mombasa remained a critical maritime gateway for Kenya and neighbouring countries, handling cargo destined for Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Tanzania.

“As trade volumes continue to grow across the region, our focus remains on providing reliable, efficient and cost-effective logistics solutions that support economic development and regional integration,” he said.

KPA is also positioning the Port of Lamu as a complementary gateway to Mombasa, leveraging its deep-water capabilities and strategic location to support new shipping connections and trade opportunities.

The port is expected to play a role in the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Programme, which seeks to improve connectivity between Kenya and markets such as Ethiopia and South Sudan.

The corridor is intended to open additional routes for regional commerce and strengthen Kenya's position as a logistics hub serving East and Central Africa.

Beyond infrastructure development, KPA said it was pursuing environmental sustainability initiatives under its Green Port agenda. The programmes include mangrove restoration, energy-efficiency measures, improved waste management and national tree-growing campaigns.

The Authority also donated essential commodities worth Ksh.500,000 to the Nairobi Children's Rescue Centre as part of its corporate social investment programme.

Ruto said engagement with customers, investors and industry partners remained central to the Authority's business strategy, adding that the nationwide golf circuit provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with stakeholders in the trade and logistics sectors.

“Supporting golf is not simply about sponsoring a sporting event; it is about strengthening relationships with the people and organisations that contribute to the growth of trade, logistics and the wider economy,” he said.

Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana, who participated in the tournament, commended KPA for supporting communities and nurturing sporting talent.

The tournament attracted more than 250 golfers, corporate leaders and industry stakeholders, with Erick Kirimi emerging as the overall winner.

KPA's expansion programme comes as Kenya seeks to strengthen its competitiveness in regional and international trade by improving port capacity, streamlining cargo handling and expanding maritime connections.