PORT OF MOMBASA ACHIEVES A MAJOR MILESTONE, SURPASSING 2 MILLION TEUs
The Port of Mombasa has registered a remarkable increase in cargo throughput for the period January to December in the year 2024.
The Authority handled a total of 41.1 million tons of cargo, a significant rise from the 36.0 million tons registered in the corresponding period in 2023. This growth of 5.1 million tons, or 14.1 percent, demonstrates our resilience and capability to manage increasing trade volumes despite global disruptions.
In terms of container traffic, KPA recorded a significant milestone, surpassing over 2 million TEUs for the first time, with a total of 2,005,076 TEUs handled in 2024. This represents an increase of 381,996 TEUs, or 23.5 percent rise compared to the 1,623,080 TEUs recorded in 2023.
It is equally important to note, imports increased by 7.2 percent to 768,088 TEUs, up from 716,493 TEUs in 2023, while exports rose by 6.6 percent to 731,934 TEUs up from 686,526 TEUs in 2023. Transit cargo volumes scaled by 17.4 percent, to reach 13.4 million tons in 2024, highlighting the Port's crucial role in regional trade.
Uganda remains our top transit destination, accounting for 65.7 percent of our transit cargo with 8,811,289 tons handled in 2024 up from 7,115,079 tons processed in 2023 representing growth of 1,696,210, or 23.8 percent increase compared to 2023. Other notable transit destinations include South Sudan (12.7 percent), the Democratic Republic of Congo (11.8 percent), Rwanda (5.1 percent), and Tanzania (3.4 percent).
Additionally, there was exceptional growth in transshipment traffic, which recorded 491,666 TEUs in 2024, reflecting an extraordinary increase of 280,593 TEUs translating to 132.9 percent against 2023. This growth can be attributed to vessel diversions stemming from the Red Sea crisis and an increase in vessel calls to Mombasa driven by our efficient turnaround times.
The single month of December 2024, the port handled a total cargo throughput of 3,746,363 tons, marking a robust increase from the 3,029,482 tons recorded in December 2023. This remarkable rise of 716,881 tons translates to an approximate growth rate of 23.7%, showcasing the port's expanding capacity and efficiency.
Equally, Container traffic experienced a significant upward trend in December 2024, with 188,495 TEUs processed compared to 152,326 TEUs handled in December 2023. This represents an increase of 36,169 TEUs, or 23.7%.
Transshipment traffic recorded 42,681 TEUs in December 2024 against 33,929 TEUs witnessed in December 2023. This marks an increase of 8,752 TEUs, or 25.8%. while transit traffic registered 1,184,541 tons in December 2024, reflecting a major increase of 215,316 tons or 22.2 percent compared to 969,225 tons in the similar period in 2023.
Managing Director Captain William Ruto has acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as the enhanced operational efficiency and infrastructure upgrades that have vastly contributed to this impressive performance.
As demonstrated above, it is gratifying to note that in the month of December 2024, port of Mombasa experienced strong performance which further bolstered the overall figures. The performance was enhanced by significant growth in containerized and bulk cargo volumes, with transshipment traffic receiving a boost from windfall traffic along the eastern seaboard of Africa.
“We are committed to enhancing our services and facilities to accommodate the growing global trade demand and to support the region's economic development. Our ongoing investments in infrastructure development ensure that the Port of Mombasa continues its upward trajectory as East Africa's leading trade gateway. “MD stated.
The Managing director has extended his gratitude to all the industry players and stakeholders for their continued support and efforts towards efficient service delivery and sustainability. He also pointed out the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter (MPNCCC) stakeholders and our parent Ministry of Roads and Transport for their support. The managing director is optimistic about Port's future as we work on capacity expansion development projects.
According to the Managing Director , the Port of Mombasa remains a critical hub for East Africa regional trade, and our improved performance underscores its strategic importance in trade facilitation and connectivity throughout the region.