Containers at the Mombasa port/COURTESY
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have rolled out far-reaching joint reforms aimed at decongesting the Port of Mombasa, reducing cargo dwell time and accelerating clearance, in a move expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as the region’s leading logistics hub.
The reforms, unveiled during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Mombasa, mark a decisive shift towards a technology-driven, predictable and results-oriented port ecosystem.
The meeting was chaired by KRA Commissioner-General Humphrey Wattanga and KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, and brought together transporters, shippers, freight forwarders, ship agents and regulators.
Speaking during the announcement, Wattanga said the measures are designed to eliminate long-standing bottlenecks that have undermined efficiency at the country’s busiest port.
“The Port of Mombasa is not only a national asset but a critical regional gateway,” he said.
“Our objective is to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce cargo dwell time and build a predictable, efficient and digitally enabled clearance system that supports trade facilitation and economic growth.”
As an urgent intervention to ease congestion, stakeholders resolved that all long-stay consignments earmarked for auction or destruction will be evacuated from the port to designated Container Freight Stations (CFSs).
The exercise, which begins with cargo that has remained at the port for more than 21 days, will start at the G-section and is expected to free up critical yard space.
To further accelerate clearance, KRA will expand its Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) framework, with priority accorded to bulk cargo, low-risk shipments and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) consignments.
Under the enhanced system, cargo will be processed before arrival, significantly reducing clearance times and improving predictability for traders.
Addressing persistent shortages of Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) seals, KRA announced it will introduce a multi-vendor model through an open expression of interest process.
The move is expected to enhance system resilience, ensure uninterrupted cargo tracking and eliminate disruptions caused by seal shortages.
On cargo evacuation, KRA and KPA will engage the Kenya Railways Corporation to deploy additional wagons on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), speeding up the transfer of cargo to the Embakasi and Naivasha Inland Container Depots.
This is expected to reduce pressure on the port and major road corridors while improving turnaround times.
Capt. Ruto reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to implementing the agreed measures in close partnership with KRA and industry players.
“Efficiency at the port is a shared responsibility,” he said. “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.”
In a bid to further ease congestion at Kilindini, stakeholders agreed to increase the utilisation of Lamu Port for transhipment cargo.
KPA has committed to allocating adequate infrastructure and operational resources to support transhipment activities at the northern gateway.
To address inefficiencies in empty container handling, KPA has designated a dedicated site within the port for stacking and loading empty units.
A new industry framework on empty container management will take effect from January 26, 2026, and is expected to improve coordination and turnaround times.
The reforms will be underpinned by deeper digital systems integration to eliminate multiple documentation requirements, reduce manual processes and enhance operational efficiency.
KRA will also deploy additional personnel at RECTS offices and port gates to speed up cargo arming and exit processes.
The coordinated measures signal a strategic reset of Kenya’s port operations and are expected to significantly reduce cargo dwell time, improve clearance predictability and reinforce Kenya’s role as East Africa’s premier maritime and logistics hub.