Mombasa port is gearing up for an exceptionally busy period as the festive season approaches, with shipping lines and traders warning of potential delays if operations are not efficiently managed.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is facing heightened scrutiny to ensure smooth cargo handling amid a surge in vessel traffic expected over the next few weeks.
Agayo Ogambi, Chief Executive at Shippers Council for Eastern Africa, emphasized the urgency of preparing the port to handle the spike in shipments.
“We asked KPA to ensure there is enhanced crane availability and reduced downtime to facilitate faster ship turnaround, encouraging shipping lines to schedule more frequent calls to Mombasa,” said Ogambi. “The number of vessels scheduled to dock in Mombasa is much higher compared to previous years.”
Industry projections show that over 50 ships are expected at the port in the coming 14 days, including 34 container vessels, 11 conventional cargo carriers, four car carriers, and two oil tankers. The rise in traffic is largely driven by traders moving goods ahead of the December shopping season, which consistently records the port’s highest activity of the year.
Traditionally, Mombasa port’s busiest period runs from late November, following months of increased imports from July through October as businesses stockpile for Christmas demand. This seasonal buildup has placed additional strain on port resources and logistics, making efficient management critical to avoid congestion.
A survey conducted by the Central Bank of Kenya among more than 1,000 private sector executives shows optimism about business activity during the final quarter of 2025. C
ompanies anticipate a boost in production, sales, and hiring to meet rising consumer demand, signaling a robust festive season. Many firms plan to increase their full-time workforce to keep up with the projected increase in orders and operational requirements.
Between January and September 2025, Mombasa port handled 32.86 million tonnes of cargo, up from 29.97 million tonnes in the same period in 2024, representing a 9.6 percent increase.
Container throughput also climbed to 1.55 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from 1.46 million TEUs the previous year. These figures underline steady growth in trade volumes and the port’s central role in Kenya’s import-export activities.
As vessel arrivals rise and the festive season approaches, shipping agents and traders are calling on KPA to optimize crane deployment, minimize delays, and maintain a smooth flow of goods.
Industry stakeholders stress that operational efficiency will be key to ensuring timely delivery, supporting businesses, and sustaining confidence among local and regional traders.
