The recently launched Kenya–Uganda Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is expected to significantly increase cargo volumes destined for Uganda through the Port of Mombasa, Uganda's Consul General to Mombasa, Amb. Herbert Kiguli has announced.
Amb. Kiguli noted that Ugandan traders will increasingly prefer using the Port of Mombasa for cargo clearance, as the railway connection is expected to substantially reduce transit time and freight costs between the two countries while strengthening regional trade within the East African Community (EAC).
He added that the railway project forms part of broader regional transport infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade among EAC member states.
The envoy made the remarks during a courtesy call on Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chief Executive officer Captain William Ruto. He was received by KPA General Manager, Finance and Commercial Services, Mr. Geoffrey Kavate, who represented the CEO.
Speaking during the meeting, Kavate acknowledged Uganda's critical role in promoting transit trade through the Port of Mombasa. He noted that cargo to and from Uganda accounts for more than half of the port's total transit volumes, making Uganda the Port of Mombasa's largest transit market and Kenya's leading regional trading partner.
He reaffirmed KPA's commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance trade facilitation, improve logistics efficiency, and strengthen economic ties between Kenya and Uganda.
Officials from the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry met with a multiagency team from the public and private sector to intensify efforts against illicit trade and counterfeit goods at Kenya’s points of entry.
The government is determined to seal all loopholes at border points to create a safer and more trade friendly environment, said Deputy Director of Domestic Trade Mr. Mathew Komen, who led the discussions.
Komen explained that this goal would be achieved through enhanced collaboration, smart technology, data sharing, training, and capacity building. These measures, he said, will strengthen cargo security and boost compliance across global supply chains.
KPA Manager of Security Services Mr. Tony Kibwana, representing Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, attested to the progress made by the multiagency team.
Mr. Kibwana said the joint efforts have been instrumental in curbing illicit trade at the Port of Mombasa and other facilities.
He added that such collaboration is vital for safeguarding international trade, protecting consumers, and reinforcing the integrity, security, and efficiency of Kenya’s ports and logistics systems.
The Kenya Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Capt. William Ruto, has commended staff for their contribution toward improving port efficiency, attributing the Port of Mombasa’s strong performance to teamwork, resilience and employee commitment.
Speaking after concluding a two-day engagement with employees from different cadres at the Port of Mombasa, the CEO extensively outlined the Authority’s strategic plan and reaffirmed management’s focus on workers’ welfare and operational excellence.
Capt. Ruto acknowledged the pivotal role played by employees in transforming port operations through improved service delivery and customer satisfaction, factors that have continued to position the Port of Mombasa as a preferred gateway in the region.
“My leadership gives priority to workers’ welfare because without a dedicated workforce we cannot meet our targets,” he added.
The session also provided a platform for employees to interact directly with management and discuss the Authority’s plans to surpass last year’s performance targets.
Last year the Port of Mombasa recorded a total cargo throughput of 45.45 million metric tons up from 40.99 million metric tons registered in 2024. Similarly container traffic surpassed 2.11 million TEUs reflecting sustained growth in throughput and operational efficiency.
In a historic feat, the Port of Lamu on Sunday evening welcomed the largest vessel ever to dock at any Port in East and Central Africa.
The MV Baltimore Express, a colossal, measuring 369 meters in length overall, arrived from Oman’s Salalah Port.
To put that size into perspective, the ship spans nearly the length of three football pitches with 69 meters to spare. Many regional ports would struggle to accommodate such a giant, but Lamu stood up to the challenge.
With the port’s quay length of 400 meters per berth, MV Baltimore Express docked smoothly without any incident.
The vessel operated by German shipping line Hapag-Lloyd, during her stay in Lamu handled restows of dangerous cargo by repositioning the DGs aboard the vessel in compliance to the International Maritime Organization.
This call follows the earlier record set by a sister vessel MV Nagoya Express, a 335-meter container ship which docked at the Port of Lamu in August 2025.
KPA’s General Manager Port of Lamu Capt. Abdulaziz Mzee welcomed the ship, noting the port’s proven ability to handle ultra-large vessels.
“This call lifts Lamu’s profile on the global maritime map, and compares to some of the world’s most developed ports like Singapore, Rotterdam and Hamburg,” said the GM.
What sets the Port of Lamu apart from other regional ports is its naturally deep harbor of 17.5 meters. This depth allows Panamax and post-Panamax ships to sail into the channel with minimal or no dredging. Many other African ports require constant dredging to deepen seabeds enough to accommodate mega ships and stay competitive.
This natural advantage enables Lamu to rival the world’s most modern ports, positioning it not only as a transshipment gateway but also as a strategic hub capable of handling very high cargo volumes.
Lamu has so far handled over 120 vessels since the start of the year, with more expected to call in the coming days. To complement this growth KPA is investing in modern equipment with the port expected to receive new cranes, terminal tractors and other cargo handling equipment in the course of the year.
Equally Captain Aziz confirmed that ninety motor vehicles out of 5000 which had been discharged in March have already been evacuated from the port.
As the global shipping industry evolves and ships continue to grow, the Port of Lamu stands uniquely ready. It is built for the future, not catching up to it.
@SDoT_Kenya@TransportKE@mohamed_daghar@davis_chirchir
The Kenya Ports Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and digital transformation as a key driver of efficiency and competitiveness in facilitating regional and global trade.
The remarks were highlighted at the inaugural Innovation Week, hosted by the Technical University of Kenya, in Nairobi.
The event, themed “From Ideas to Impact: Innovation for a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” brought together stakeholders from government and the private sector who showcased cutting-edge solutions in their respective institutions.
Speaking at the forum, Manager Corporate Communication Mr. Jones Buchere, who represented Chief Executive Officer Capt. William Ruto, said the initiative comes at a critical time when innovation is increasingly influencing economic growth and resilience.
“This event is both timely and relevant as innovation continues to shape economies, strengthen competitiveness, and support sustainable development,” Mr. Buchere said.
He noted that KPA has placed innovation at the core of its operations to ensure the Port of Mombasa remains an efficient and reliable gateway for regional and international trade.
Mr. Buchere highlighted the Authority’s investments in technology, citing the digitalization of cargo management systems, gate automation, and modernization of cargo handling equipment as key milestones.
“Real-time cargo tracking systems and enhanced automation have helped reduce vessel turnaround time, improved transparency, and lowered operational costs for our customers,” he noted.
Beyond infrastructure and technology, Mr. Buchere underscored KPA’s focus on nurturing talent, particularly among young professionals. He said the authority continues to offer industrial attachments and internship opportunities to students across disciplines, including information and communication technology (ICT).
“We believe investing in young talent is essential for sustaining innovation and building a future-ready workforce,” he added.
The forum addressed by the vice chancellor, Professor Benedict Mutua, underscored the need to translate ideas into practical solutions for sectors including transport, logistics, and infrastructure.
Principal Secretary State Department for Transport @mohamed_daghar today conducted an inspection tour at the Shimoni Fish Port.
The PS was received by the KPA senior management team led by General Manager Cargo Operations Dr Sudi Mwasinago, who represented the Chief Executive Officer Capt. William Ruto.
The construction of the project was completed in June 2025 and handed over to KPA on July 16,2025.
It has a fully equipped jetty, fish processing plant, cold storage, ice flake machines and a blast freezer aimed at improving handling, preservation and value addition.
The port is expected to boost fish production and exports, strengthen trade linkages and support tourism growth.
@SDoT_Kenya@SDoT_Kenya
MV Murray Express; a livestock carrier is among the 49 cargo vessels that will call at the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu in the next #14Days.
The vessel will load approximately 800 livestock at the Port of Mombasa for export to the gulf.
During this period, five oil tankers will also discharge vegetable and petroleum products, twenty-two container vessels, twenty-one conventional cargo vessels as well as a car carrier.