The luxurious cruise ship MV SH Diana docked at the Port of Mombasa on Wednesday, marking its third visit to Kenya’s coast highlighting the country’s growing stature as a premier cruise tourism destination.
The vessel, carrying 120 passengers and 129 crew members, arrived after completing a five-day voyage along Kenya’s scenic coastline, with stopovers in Shimoni and Lamu before its final leg to Mombasa.
The ship’s arrival was celebrated with pomp and ceremony on Wednesday, with top tourism and port officials leading a festive reception at the Mombasa Cruise Terminal.
Kenya Ports Authority Chairman Benjamin Tayari and other officials addressing the media after receiving the SH Diana ship at the port of Mombasa on October 29, 2025.PHOTO/KPAHeading the welcoming party were Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chairman Benjamin Tayari and Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, alongside senior officials from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the County Government of Mombasa.
Kenya Ports Authority Chairman Benjamin Tayari, Managing Director Capt. William Ruto and other officials during the reception of the ship at the port of Mombasa on Wednesday. PHOTO/KPADuring the colorful ceremony, KPA Chairman Benjamin Tayari praised the government’s ongoing reforms to streamline travel procedures, including the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which he said has significantly improved efficiency for international visitors arriving by sea and air.
“The government’s efforts to simplify the travel process through the ETA system have made Kenya more accessible to international tourists,”Tayari noted. “These initiatives are already yielding positive results, as we are witnessing a steady rise in the number of cruise ships and visitors docking at our ports.”
He emphasized the need for stronger marketing and promotional strategies to position the coastal region as a must-visit destination for global cruise lines and travelers.
KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto echoed the optimism, highlighting the remarkable growth in cruise tourism witnessed in recent years.
“We’ve seen a remarkable rise in cruise passenger numbers from just 646 in 2020 to 6,557 in 2024,” Capt. Ruto said. “We’re confident this season will exceed all expectations.”
Capt. Ruto reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to expanding and modernizing port infrastructure to support the cruise sector, positioning Kenya as a leading cruise tourism hub in the region.
He also lauded the close collaboration between local tourism stakeholders, the national government, and security agencies in maintaining safe waters along the Indian Ocean coastline,a critical factor in attracting international cruise operators.
The warm reception for the MV SH Diana reflects Kenya’s growing investment in the cruise tourism industry, with stakeholders optimistic that continued collaboration and improved infrastructure will propel the country toward becoming a top destination for maritime leisure travel in Africa.
Kenya's total tourism earnings were Sh452.2 billion in 2024, a 19.79% increase from Sh377.49 billion in 2023,with the cruise tourism sector experienced a substantial growth of 163.5% in 2024 as detailed by the Government Advertising Agency.
According to the Tourism Research Institute, Kenya's tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with international arrivals reaching a record 2.4 million in 2024- a 15 per cent increase from the previous year.
