The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is investing $122.030 million (Sh15.7 billion) to upgrade the Port of Mombasa, aiming to handle medium-sized container ships and increase its capacity. The project includes a new berth and system improvements already in progress.
Project factsheet
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Project: Mombasa port upgrade
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Investment: $122.030 million (Sh15.7 billion)
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Key feature: Berth 19B
Mombasa port expansion and increased capacity
The new Berth 19B will support ships of 45,000 Deadweight Tonnage, with a depth of 13.5 metres and a length of 240 metres. It will add 300,000 containers (TEUs) to the port’s annual capacity. KPA boss Captain William Ruto ealier said this will help meet growing demand, as bigger ships are now common on the East African coast.
This follows a strong year for the port. In 2024, it handled 41.1 million tons of cargo, up 14.1% from 35.98 million tons in 2023. Container traffic broke records, reaching 2,005,076 TEUs—a 23.5% rise from 1,623,080 TEUs in 2023.
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Imports grew by 7.2% to 768,088 TEUs
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Exports increased by 6.6% to 731,934 TEUs
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Transit cargo for regional countries jumped 17.4% to 13.4 million tons
Ruto said.
This shows our ability to manage rising trade despite global challenges.
READ ALSO: World Bank Invests $200 Million in Tanzania’s Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport Project
Infrastructure improvements and competitive edge
The Terminal Operating System (TOS) upgrade, which began in January 2025, is also boosting capacity. KPA is partnering with the Japan International Development Agency (JICA) to build Berth 23 under the Mombasa Port Development Project (MPDP). This 300-metre berth will have a yard capacity of 500,000 TEUs.
These upgrades will create jobs during construction and increase government revenue from extra cargo. Despite competition from Dar es Salaam port, Mombasa’s location and ongoing improvements keep it as East Africa’s leading maritime hub. Over the 2024 festive season, the port managed 41 vessels in 14 days, with more expected.
