Cargo volumes through the Port of Mombasa reached an all-time high of 45.45 million metric tons during the January to December 2025 period, Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. William Ruto announced during a media briefing on the authority's 2025 performance outlook. The throughput represents a 10.0 percent jump—or 4.46 million additional metric tons—compared to the 40.99 million metric tons handled in 2024.
Container traffic likewise set a new benchmark, climbing to 2.11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) against 2.00 million TEUs the prior year. The 109,797 TEU increase translates to 5.5 percent growth, reflecting both increased shipping line activity and operational improvements at Mombasa's container terminals.
Satellite Facilities Post Steep Gains
Every KPA-managed port facility recorded growth in 2025, with the Port of Lamu posting the most dramatic improvement. Lamu processed 799,161 metric tons against just 74,380 metric tons the previous year—a more than tenfold increase fueled primarily by containerized cargo. Container traffic at Lamu totaled 55,687 TEUs during the same span.
"With more shipping lines introducing regular services at Lamu, this is a promise for more cargo volumes through the port in the subsequent years," Capt. Ruto stated. The Lamu Port, a cornerstone of the LAPSSET Corridor initiative, is increasingly attracting ocean carriers seeking alternative routing to traditional hub ports.
Further south, the inland waterway port of Kisumu handled 496,516 metric tons in 2025, up from 295,516 metric tons the prior year—a 55.0 percent surge or 163,085 metric tons of additional throughput. Kisumu's growth reflects expanding lake transport connections serving Uganda and parts of Tanzania.
Infrastructure Expansion Underway to Sustain Momentum
KPA is actively developing infrastructure to accommodate continued demand. berths 19B, 23, and 24 are under expansion, collectively projected to deliver an additional 1.4 million TEUs of capacity once completed. The Terminal Operating System upgrade has reached 40 percent implementation, while gate automation at berths 23 and 24 stands at 60 percent completion, aimed at reducing truck turnaround times and streamlining cargo release processes.
Equipment acquisition and modernization efforts are advancing through their implementation phase, with the authority simultaneously deepening engagement with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and customs agencies to streamline documentation and clearance workflows. These coordinated initiatives position Mombasa to absorb projected volume increases while maintaining service reliability across its integrated port network.