The Port of Mombasa in Kenya recorded an impressive increase in cargo throughput in 2024, handling 41.1 million tons, a significant rise from 35.98 million tons in 2023.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. William Ruto confirmed the report and said the record represents an increase of 5.1 million tons or 14.1%, underlining the port’s resilience and capacity to manage growing trade volumes despite global challenges.
For the first time in over a decade, the Port’s container traffic exceeded the two million mark, with 2,005,076 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) processed in 2024. This marks a 23.5% rise compared to the 1,623,080 TEUs recorded in 2023.
Economic growth
Imports rose by 7.2% to 768,088 TEUs, up from 716,493 TEUs in 2023. Exports increased by 6.6% to 731,934 TEUs, up from 686,526 TEUs in the previous year. Transit cargo volumes surged by 17.4% to reach 13.4 million tons in 2024, reinforcing the Port’s role as a vital hub for regional trade. Uganda remained the top transit destination, accounting for 65.7% of transit cargo, with 8,811,289 tons handled—an increase of 23.8% compared to 2023.
Transshipment traffic nearly doubled, reaching 491,666 TEUs in 2024, compared to 211,073 TEUs in 2023. Capt. Ruto attributed this growth to vessel diversions caused by the Red Sea crisis and the Port’s efficient turnaround times, which encouraged more vessel calls.
In December alone, the port handled 3,746,363 tons, a substantial increase from 3,029,482 tons in December 2023. This performance was driven by growth in both containerized and bulk cargo volumes, as well as transshipment activities.
Capt. Ruto emphasized ongoing investments in modernizing equipment, developing infrastructure, and upgrading operational systems to support the growing trade demands. He commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders under the Mombasa Port and Northern Corridor Community Charter (MPNCCC) and the Ministry of Roads and Transport, stating that these partnerships are pivotal in capacity expansion projects.
The Port of Mombasa continues to solidify its position as a critical trade gateway for East Africa, driving regional economic growth and trade connectivity.