The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is accelerating plans to expand the ports of Mombasa and Lamu as annual cargo volumes are projected to rise from the current 45.45 million metric tonnes to 168 million metric tonnes by 2045.
The planned expansion is expected to increase cargo-handling capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading regional trade and logistics hub.
Speaking at the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) Ports and Maritime Investment Forum and Exhibition 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, KPA Manager for Corporate Planning and Strategy Mohammed Golicha outlined the Authority’s investment priorities on behalf of Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto.
Golicha highlighted plans to redevelop existing conventional and multipurpose cargo berths, construct additional container terminal berths at the Port of Mombasa and develop new berths at the Port of Lamu.
The projects are aimed at preparing the two ports to handle growing demand from regional and international markets while improving Kenya’s competitiveness in maritime trade.
The expansion of Lamu Port is also expected to strengthen connectivity through the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, which is designed to link Kenya with neighbouring countries and facilitate regional commerce.
To finance the ambitious infrastructure programme, KPA has identified Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a key mechanism for mobilising private capital, technical expertise and innovation.
Other proposed funding sources include government allocations, internally generated revenue and commercial borrowing.
The Authority emphasised that attracting investors would require bankable projects, transparent procurement procedures, appropriate risk-sharing arrangements and predictable regulatory frameworks that protect the public interest while providing confidence to investors.
KPA also highlighted the need to invest in supporting transport and logistics infrastructure, including roads, railways, pipelines, inland container depots and digital systems.
These investments are considered critical to ensuring that increased port capacity translates into faster cargo evacuation, reduced logistical bottlenecks and more efficient movement of goods across regional supply chains.
The expansion plans align with the broader regional agenda for sustainable port development, which was highlighted by PMAESA Chairperson of the Board of Directors Mohammed Abdool during his keynote address at the forum.
Abdool called for stronger governance, infrastructure development and regional cooperation to position ports as competitive trade gateways and drivers of sustainable economic growth.
He noted that efforts to attract investment must be supported by financial accountability, commercially viable projects and transparent decision-making processes.
Abdool further identified digital transformation, green initiatives and operational efficiency as essential pillars for developing resilient, sustainable and globally competitive ports.
He also urged port authorities to strengthen collaboration to maximise opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly by improving connections between maritime gateways, transport corridors and inland markets.
“Ports cannot achieve their full potential in isolation. Sustainable investment must be matched by sound governance, efficient operations, and stronger regional cooperation to connect maritime gateways with inland markets, facilitate trade, and deliver lasting economic benefits across the region,” Abdool said.
He emphasised that stronger regional links would be particularly important in facilitating cross-border trade and improving access to international markets for land-linked countries.
The three-day PMAESA Ports and Maritime Investment Forum and Exhibition 2026 is being held under the theme, “Unlocking Sustainable Port and Maritime Investment for Regional Integration.”
The forum has brought together port authorities, investors, development partners and maritime experts to explore sustainable financing models and strategic partnerships to advance port and maritime development across Eastern and Southern Africa.
KPA is represented at the forum by a delegation led by Paul Bor, Manager for ICDN Services. Other members include Miriam Mwakundia, Manager for Marketing and Customer Experience; Jones Buchere, Manager for Corporate Communication; and Edward Wahome, Manager for ICT, Innovation and Business Process Re-engineering, alongside other senior managers.
The discussions are expected to contribute to efforts to mobilise investment, strengthen regional transport networks and improve the capacity of ports to support growing trade across the continent.
