Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has reported a remarkable growth in transit cargo throughput for the year 2025.
This surge in growth underscores Kenya’s rising role as a regional logistics hub, supported by strong gains in container traffic and transit cargo.
“Transit cargo through Kenya’s ports recorded an impressive 19.5 percent growth, boosting Kenya’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub,” stated KPA.
Kenya Ports Authority Records Surge in Transit Cargo
According to KPA’s performance data, transit cargo through Kenyan ports rose to 13.29 million tons in 2024 and to 15.88 million tons in 2025, representing 19.5% growth. This growth shows an additional 2.59 million tons of cargo handled within a single year.
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Mombasa port handled 45.45 million metric tons of cargo in 2025, a 10.9% increase from 40.99 million tons in 2024, an increase of 4.46 million metric tons.
The port also handled an impressive 799,161 metric tons, up from 74,380 metric tons the previous year, mainly driven by containerized cargo. Similarly, 55,687 TEUs of total container traffic were realized during the period.
Commenting on the growth surge, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto noted that all port facilities recorded growth, with the Port of Lamu recording the greatest improvement.
“With more shipping lines introducing regular services at Lamu, this is a promise for more cargo volumes through the port in the subsequent years,” said Capt. Ruto said during the performance briefing.
Growth was also recorded at the inland waterway port of Kisumu, which processed 295,516 metric tons and 496,516 metric tons in 2025, amounting to a 55.0 percent growth.
Infrastructure and Technology Driving Growth of KPA
In relation to the growth surge, KPA attributed it to several improved infrastructure initiatives, and the authority is developing ongoing infrastructure to meet the rising demand.
“These figures reflect the resilience of our ports and the confidence of shipping lines in Kenya’s logistics infrastructure,” stated Capt. Ruto.
The key infrastructure being developed is the expansion of berths and yard space, including berth 19B, 23, and 24, which will add 1.4 million Twenty Foot Equivalent (TEUs) of capacity.
Ruto also announced that KPA is upgrading the Terminal Operating System, which is currently 40 percent complete, and that gate automation for gates 23 and 24 has reached 60 percent.
Acquisition and modernization of equipment is also at an advanced stage of implementation, and KPS is enhancing collaboration with the industry players to streamline services.
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Boosting Kenya’s Role as a Regional Hub
This surge in growth underscores Kenya’s rising role as a regional logistics hub, supported by strong gains in container traffic and transit cargo.
KPA is enabling faster movement of goods, handling higher volume cargo, and improving trade competitiveness in the region. Mombasa port serves landlocked East African countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
KPA’s growth is critical to the country’s economic development, as it supports industries reliant on imports and exports, encourages foreign investment, and enhances Kenya’s reputation as a reliable logistics partner.
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