Mombasa, Kenya

Port Overview

Mombasa, located on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, is the country’s largest and busiest port, serving as a critical gateway for East and Central Africa. It ranks among Africa’s top five container ports and is the main maritime hub for landlocked countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Strategically positioned, Mombasa connects regional trade to over 80 global ports. The port has an annual container handling capacity of approximately 1.4 to 1.6 million TEUs, making it vital for regional commerce and logistics.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Mombasa Port features two main container terminals with five dedicated berths, extensive bulk and general cargo facilities, and a modern cruise terminal. Key equipment includes ship-to-shore gantry cranes, mobile harbor cranes, reach stackers, and rubber-tyred gantry cranes. The port handles containers, dry and liquid bulk, vehicles, and breakbulk cargo. While Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not widely deployed, the port is equipped for efficient, high-capacity cargo handling and is connected to rail and road networks.

Container Terminals

Mombasa's container terminals include two main facilities. Terminal 1 has three berths, while Terminal 2 has two berths. The port's total capacity is approximately 2.65 million TEUs. Automation levels are being enhanced with modernization efforts. Major operations are managed by the Kenya Ports Authority. The port is a key hub for East and Central Africa, serving multiple transit countries.

Port Services

The Port of Mombasa provides comprehensive maritime services including:

Container Operations: Two main container terminals (Kilindini and Nairobi Container Terminal) handling container ships at dedicated berths

Cargo Handling: Bulk cargo facilities for grain, fertilizers, cement, and petroleum products; general cargo berths for break-bulk items, vehicles, and machinery

Specialized Services: Oil terminals with storage tanks, bulk cement berths with silos, and ro-ro facilities

Support Infrastructure: Warehousing facilities, customs clearance services, and lighterage operations for regional connectivity

Global Connectivity

Mombasa Port connects to over 80 global ports, serving as a gateway for East and Central Africa. It links Kenya with neighboring countries like Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Strategically connected to rail and road networks, Mombasa facilitates efficient cargo movement. Major shipping routes link it to key markets worldwide, enhancing regional trade and economic growth.

Port Statistics

Port of Mombasa Key Statistics

Container Throughput: 2,005,076 TEUs in 2024, representing a 23.5% increase from the previous year. This marked the first time the port surpassed 2 million TEUs in over a decade.

Total Cargo: 41.1 million tons handled in 2024, up 14.1% from 35.98 million tons in 2023.

Regional Role: East Africa's leading gateway port, serving Uganda (65.7% of transit cargo), South Sudan, DRC, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

Transshipment Growth: 491,666 TEUs in 2024, reflecting exceptional 132.9% growth due to Red Sea diversions and efficient turnaround times.