Cargo volumes through the Port of Mombasa have hit a record 45.45 million metric tons for the period January to December 2025. This is a 10.0 percent increase or 4.46 million metric tons in comparison to 2024 when the port handled 40.99 million metric tons. Similarly, significant growth was attained in container traffic reaching a total of 2.11 million TEUs, against 2.00 million TEUs in 2024, representing a growth rate of 109,797 TEUs, or 5.5 percent.
In a media briefing to release the Kenya Ports Authority performance outlook for 2025, Managing Director Capt. William Ruto also announced that, transit cargo followed a similar trajectory after posting 15.88 million tons from 13.29 million tons in 2024, which translates to 2.59 million metric tons or 19.5 percent.
The MD also noted that every port facility registered growth with the Port of Lamu recording the highest improvement. The facility handled an impressive 799,161 metric tons against 74,380 metric tons recorded the previous year mainly driven by containerized cargo.
Similarly, 55,687 TEUs total container traffic was realized during the period. “With more shipping lines introducing regular services at Lamu, this is a promise for more cargo volumes through the port in the subsequent years, said Capt. Ruto. Notable growth was also realized at the inland waterway port of Kisumu which processed 496,516 metric tons in 2025, compared to 295,516 metric tons the previous year amounting to a 55.0 percent growth or 163,085 metric tons.
Several planned and ongoing initiatives are attributed to this growth as per the MD who confirmed that the Authority is developing infrastructure to meet the rising demand. Key being the expansion of berths and yard space including berth 19B, 23 and 24 that will create an additional capacity of 1.4 million TEUs.
Capt Ruto also announced that KPA is upgrading the Terminal Operating System currently at 40 percent completion and gates automation which have attained a 60 percent completion rate for gates 23 and 24. Acquisition and modernisation of Equipment is also at an advanced stage of implementation, even as the Authority enhances collaboration with the industry players to streamline services.