Cargo passing through Mombasa Port grows by 3.23 million tonnes

 

The Port of Mombasa has registered a 12.1 per cent growth in cargo throughput in the first nine months of 2024.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) said the port handled a total of 29.92 million tonnes of cargo compared to 26.68 million tonnes registered during the same period in 2023, a growth of 3.23 million tonnes.

“In terms of container traffic, the port processed 1,461,736 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) during the period under review, a substantial increase from the 1,191,282 TEUs handled in 2023, reflecting a growth of 270,454 TEUs or 22.7 per cent,” KPA said.

It added that transshipment traffic exhibited exceptional growth, registering an increase of 216,339 TEUs or 162.8 per cent.“Both imports and exports also demonstrated moderate growth, with imports rising by 27,656 TEUs (5.2 per cent) and exports increasing by 22,273 TEUs (4.3 per cent),” KPA added.

The state corporation said transit cargo saw significant improvement as well, with total transit volumes reaching 9.83 million tonnes compared to 8.36 million tonnes in 2023, a variance of 1,469,540 tonnes or 17.6 per cent.

It noted that Uganda played a pivotal role in this upturn performance, contributing to an increase of 1,132,326 tons or 21.9 per cent.

KPA Managing Director William Ruto attributed the growth to the hard work and dedication of the workforce as well as the support of partners and stakeholders.

He noted that in the single month of September 2024, the Port handled a total of 3,415,174 tonnes of cargo against 2,763,987 tonnes realised in the corresponding month in 2023, representing an increment of 651,187 tons or 23.6 per cent.

"We are committed to enhancing our services and facilities to accommodate the growing demand and continue to support the region's economic development,” Ruto added.

The Port of Mombasa remains a critical hub for trade in East Africa, and the results reflect its strategic importance in facilitating trade and connectivity across the region.

by Allan Kisia