Kenya Ports Authority says investments in infrastructure, technology and operational efficiency are boosting cargo volumes and strengthening the country’s position as a regional trade hub.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has reported continued growth in cargo volumes across its port facilities, attributing the performance to sustained investments in infrastructure, modern technology and improved operational efficiency.
Speaking during the KPA Corporate Golf Tournament and Stakeholders Dinner at VetLab Sports Club in Nairobi on Friday, October 16, 2026, KPA Chief Executive Officer Capt. William K. Ruto said the authority was implementing major expansion projects to accommodate future trade growth and strengthen regional integration.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by General Manager for Corporate Services Edward Kamau, Ruto said the Port of Mombasa and other facilities were experiencing increased confidence from shipping lines, importers, exporters and transit cargo customers.
“The Port of Mombasa continues to experience increased vessel traffic, growing cargo volumes and rising container throughput,” he said.
He attributed the growth to investments in port infrastructure, modern cargo-handling equipment, digital systems and operational improvements aimed at increasing productivity, reducing vessel turnaround times and speeding up cargo clearance.
Among the key projects underway is the construction of Dongo Kundu Berth One (DK1), which is expected to support industrial development within the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone while attracting fresh trade and investment opportunities along the Coast.
The authority is also constructing Berth 19B, a project expected to increase the Port of Mombasa’s annual container-handling capacity by approximately 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
The expansion is intended to strengthen the port’s ability to handle rising cargo volumes and accommodate future demand.
Beyond physical infrastructure, KPA is accelerating its digital transformation through the implementation of a modern Terminal Operating System (TOS) and a Smart Gate System.
According to Ruto, the technologies will improve cargo tracking and visibility, strengthen security, enhance operational efficiency and deliver a better experience for port users.
Ruto reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Port of Mombasa as a major gateway serving Kenya and neighbouring markets, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Tanzania.
He said KPA remained focused on providing reliable, efficient and cost-effective logistics services to support economic development and regional trade.
The CEO also highlighted the growing importance of the Port of Lamu, describing it as a key component of Kenya’s maritime future due to its deep-water capabilities and strategic location.
The port, alongside the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor Programme, is expected to improve regional connectivity and establish new trade routes linking Kenya with Ethiopia, South Sudan and other emerging markets.
Alongside its commercial expansion plans, the authority said it remained committed to sustainable development through its Green Port agenda.
Its environmental initiatives include mangrove restoration, energy-efficiency programmes, improved waste management and participation in national tree-growing campaigns.
KPA also used the annual golf tournament to advance its corporate social investment programme, donating essential commodities worth KSh500,000 to the Nairobi Children’s Rescue Centre.
Ruto said stakeholder engagement remained central to the authority’s business strategy, with the nationwide golf circuit providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships with customers, partners and investors.
“Supporting golf is not simply about sponsoring a sporting event; it is about strengthening relationships with the people and organisations that contribute to the growth of trade, logistics and the wider economy,” he said.
The annual tournament brought together corporate leaders, golfers and industry stakeholders for networking and discussions on opportunities in Kenya’s maritime, logistics and transport sectors.
Erick Kirimi, playing off a handicap of 23, emerged as the overall winner after posting 47 points.
The event combined sporting competition with stakeholder engagement, reinforcing KPA’s efforts to build partnerships as it expands port capacity and strengthens Kenya’s role in regional and international trade.
