At the Kenya Ports Authority, we are the dynamic heart of trade and commerce for Kenya and the East and Central Africa, connecting the region to global markets. We understand that the movement of goods by sea is more than just logistics, it's the vital current that powers economic growth, connects communities, and creates opportunity.
Our flagship facility, the Port of Mombasa is strategically located and stands as a beacon of efficiency and connectivity. Consistently ranked among the top container ports in Africa, it serves as a critical nexus between global markets and a rapidly expanding region. With over 40 major shipping lines calling at our port and direct links to more than 80 ports worldwide, we ensure that trade flows seamlessly and reliably.
In an ever-evolving global maritime industry, we are driven by innovation and investment. KPA has made significant, strategic investments to modernize our infrastructure, expand our capacity, and adopt cutting-edge technology. This unwavering commitment ensures we not only meet the growing demands of today but are also prepared to harness the opportunities of tomorrow, maintaining our competitive edge.
Our success is powered by our human resource. KPA is steered by a team of visionary leaders whose combined expertise spans maritime operations, logistics, finance, and technology. This diverse experience allows us to successfully navigate the complexities of 21st-century shipping and deliver world-class port services.
We are more than just a port authority; we are your trusted partner in progress, dedicated to fuelling prosperity for our region and the global market.
Our Services
We offer a range of marine, cargo handling and logistics services with the aim of moving your cargo seamlessly and efficiently across the region and to the world.
Tidal Information
The Port of Mombasa is situated along Latitudes 4°03ʹS – Longitudes 39° 39ʹE - East African coast. The Port Tidal range is as follows
- Highest Astronomical Tide- HAT 4.1m
- Lowest Astronomical Tide - LAT 0.1m
- Mean High Water Springs- MHWS 3.5m
- Mean Sea Level- MSL 1.88m
Pilotage
The Ports of Mombasa and Lamu offers pilotage services which is compulsory for all vessels. Vessels calling the Ports have to be piloted through the channels to the port unless exempted by management. The ports are served by four pilot boats available round the clock.
Tuggage
The use of tugs and mooring boats is compulsory for all vessels calling the Port of Mombasa and Lamu. With a fleet of six high powered tug boats, we are always on call and ready to offer tuggage services to inbound and outbound vessels. KPA also offers salvage services with the latest acquisition of 120 Tonnes bollard pull salvage tug; a modern high performance Azimurth Stern Driven tug that can offer salvage operations in the high seas, port areas and anywhere around the world.
Stevedoring Services
We prioritize the efficient handling of your cargo from the ship to the quayside. At KPA, we offer a range of stevedoring services including offloading and loading of cargo from a ship’s hold to a quay, berth, wharf and pier. This includes the shifting of cargo onboard a ship without landing on quay, restow (landing the shifted cargo on a quay and re-shipping it back to the ship), opening and closing of Hatch covers or Pontoons upon request. With modern and adequate equipment at the ports coupled with customer-centric services from our team, we guarantee you efficient cargo offtake. For further information, refer to section II of the KPA Tariff.
Shorehandling Services
Shore handling refers to the handling of cargo at the Shore side or at a place near the quay but within the port precinct. Generally, shore handling is the process of receiving and stacking cargo of import and/or export cargo, handling or transfer of cargo within the port and handling or transfer of cargo for delivery or loading. Examples of shore handling activities would include, but not limited to: remarshaling, reefer plugging, stripping and/or restuffing, handling of self-propelled units, handling of crated animals. Shorehandling charges are incurred on Cargo, Commodity, Package, Container for rendering shore services by the port through supply of labour with/without equipment for transportation of cargo from hook point to stacking point (including loading at hook point), unloading of the same at the stacking point and subsequent loading for delivery or vice-versa. For further information, refer to section III of the KPA Tariff.
Ferry Services
The Ferry Operation department is responsible for ferrying motorists, passengers and cargo. This includes petroleum products across the Likoni and Mtongwe channels by use of ferries as per traffic demand while ensuring safety of the ferry users. The current carriage of Likoni channel constitutes vehicular traffic with daily average of 150,000 pedestrians and 5,800 vehicles. In the Mtongwe channel one ferry operates from Monday to Saturday. The landing facilities are pontoons usable for pedestrians and cyclists. Works are ongoing to upgrade it to ramp to accommodate cars. The department currently runs a fleet of 7 ferries: MV Jambo, MV Safari, MV Kilindini, MV Nyayo, MV Harambee, MV Kwale and Likoni. For further information refer to KPA Ferry Services.
Support Services
The Port of Mombasa has superior fire services and equipment to guarantee the safety of people and infrastructure in case of emergencies. This includes fire prevention & training (fire detection & suppression system, inspection and issuance of hot work permits prior to commencement of hot works, installation of portable fire extinguishers at strategic locations within port premises as well as Ambulance services. Port Fire Services Operates three fire engines with a water capacity of 10000 liters each and has a water reserve of 300,000 liters. We offer Fire & Rescue services with the purpose to enhance community safety, quality of life and confidence by minimizing the impact of hazards and emergency incidents on the port users, environment and economy of the country.
As one of the country's largest well-equipped fire and rescue services, we manage fire emergencies in Mombasa County. We respond to rescues, hazardous materials incidents and possible emergency activities across the County. We work with other government agencies to minimize the impact of fires, floods, landslides, building collapses, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies. We also run prevention and preparedness programs to prevent these emergencies and reduce their impact on the port community. The Port Fire services also offers 24/7 hours ambulance services, emergency services, manned by firefighters, the ambulance is used in Fire and Rescue as a first responder in the most serious medical emergencies.