In a landmark move to cement economic and maritime ties, President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday oversaw the signing of a massive investment deal aimed at the total renovation and expansion of the Port of Mombasa. This deal once implemented will position Kenya as a key maritime hub in East Africa and competing with the likes of Port of Ndayane in Senegal, West Africa.

Cost

The agreement, valued at approximately Ksh104 billion ($800 million), centers on a joint venture with French shipping giant CMA CGM. The French logistics firm has committed to refurbishing two major terminals at the port, a strategic move intended to modernize East Africa’s largest gateway and handle the surging volume of container traffic.

A Strategic Overhaul

Furthermore, Port of Mombasa has seen its container traffic leap from 1.4 million to over 2 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in recent years, stretching existing infrastructure to its limit. Under the new deal, CMA CGM, which has operated in Kenya since 2005 will leverage its global expertise to modernize berths by updating aging infrastructure to accommodate larger, modern “Post-Panamax” vessels.

Also, the French firm will boost efficiency at the port. This will be achieved by implementing advanced logistics and freight management solutions to reduce turnaround times for cargo destined for Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

Economic Impact

Additionally, for Kenya, the partnership represents a strategic shift toward diversifying its diplomatic and economic alliances. By tapping into French technology and capital, Nairobi aims to position Mombasa not just as a transit point, but as a “world-class” logistics hub capable of competing on the global stage.

Morover, while the deal has sparked some local debate regarding sovereignty and the presence of foreign military personnel, the economic upside, thousands of projected jobs and a more efficient trade route remains a powerful motivator for the Ruto administration.

Timeline

Lastly, the renovation works are expected to begin later this year, coinciding with the upcoming Africa-France Summit to be co-hosted by the two presidents.

Port of Mombasa Overhaul Factsheet

Primary Partner: CMA CGM Group (France)

Total Investment: €700 Million (approx. Ksh 104 Billion / $823 Million)

Expected Impact: 250,000 direct jobs (across the broader France-Kenya deal)

Strategic Goal: Modernize berths to handle “Post-Panamax” vessels

Terminal Refurbishment: Complete modernization of two major container terminals.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Strengthening and deepening quay walls to support larger, modern shipping vessels with higher TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacities.

Equipment Modernization: Installation of high-performance ship-to-shore cranes and automated yard management systems.

Capacity Goal: Boosting annual container handling from current levels toward a target

Key Timelines

• Signing Date: May 11, 2026 (Nairobi, Kenya).
• Commencement: Preliminary works and site surveys scheduled for Q3 2026.
• Operational Integration: Full digital and logistics synchronization expected by late 2027, aligning with the broader regional expansion of the Northern