KRA, KPA unveil reforms to ease congestion at Port of Mombasa

In a statement by KRA, the new measures, developed jointly with other port users, focus on digitisation, improved coordination and faster evacuation of cargo.

Officials said the approach is designed to create a smoother, more predictable flow of goods while supporting trade growth and the wider economy.

KRA Commissioner-General Humphrey Wattanga stated that the reforms signal a shift towards a more reliable and technology-driven operating environment at the port, which serves as both a national asset and a key gateway for the wider region. 

“The Port of Mombasa is not only a national asset but a critical regional gateway. Our objective is to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce cargo dwell time and build a predictable, efficient and digitally enabled clearance system that supports trade and economic growth,” Wattanga remarked during a high-level meeting which brought together stakeholders in the maritime and logistics ecosystem. 

KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto noted that the authority would work closely with KRA and industry players to put the agreed actions into effect, adding that efficiency at the port depends on shared responsibility among all stakeholders. 

“These reforms will unlock capacity, improve operational flow and strengthen Mombasa’s competitiveness as a regional and global port. KPA will dedicate the necessary infrastructure and resources to ensure their successful implementation,” Capt. Ruto noted. 

As an immediate step to ease congestion, stakeholders agreed that cargo that has remained at the port for extended periods and is destined for auction or disposal will be moved to designated container freight stations. 

The exercise will begin with consignments that have exceeded 21 days at the port, starting in the G-section, a move expected to quickly create space in the yards and improve cargo movement.

To further speed up clearance, KRA will widen the use of advance processing of documentation, particularly for bulk cargo, low-risk shipments and consignments handled by authorised economic operators.

This is expected to allow cargo to be cleared before arrival, reducing delays and improving predictability for traders.

The authority will also address recurring shortages of electronic cargo tracking seals by opening the system to multiple suppliers through a competitive selection process.

Officials said this would strengthen reliability, ensure continuity in cargo monitoring and prevent disruptions caused by limited supply.

In addition, KRA and KPA will work with the Kenya Railways Corporation to increase the number of wagons available on the Standard Gauge Railway, enabling faster movement of cargo to inland depots in Embakasi and Naivasha. The move is expected to ease pressure on the port and major road corridors while improving turnaround times.

Stakeholders also agreed to scale up the use of Lamu Port for transhipment cargo to reduce strain on Kilindini and maximise the capacity of the northern maritime corridor. KPA said it would provide the necessary facilities and operational support to boost transhipment activities at Lamu.

To improve the handling of empty containers, the port authority set aside a specific area within the port for stacking and loading empty units.

A new industry-wide arrangement governing empty container management is set to take effect on January 26, 2026, and is expected to enhance coordination and reduce delays.

The reforms will be reinforced through deeper integration of digital systems to cut down on paperwork, limit manual procedures and improve overall efficiency.

KRA will also deploy more staff at cargo tracking offices and port gates to speed up sealing and exit processes.

During the meeting, officials said the changes would shorten cargo dwell times and reinforce Kenya’s position as East Africa’s leading logistics hub.