The Kenya Revenue Authority, in collaboration with the Kenya Ports Authority and key port stakeholders, has unveiled a wide ranging set of joint reforms aimed at decongesting the Port of Mombasa, reducing cargo dwell time, and accelerating clearance through a technology driven and results oriented approach.
The coordinated measures mark a strategic reset of Kenya’s port operations and are expected to significantly improve efficiency, predictability, and competitiveness at the country’s main maritime gateway, which serves as a critical trade hub for the wider East African region.
Speaking during the announcement, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said the reforms represent a deliberate shift towards a more predictable, efficient, and digitally enabled port ecosystem that supports trade facilitation and economic growth.
“The Port of Mombasa is not only a national asset but a critical regional gateway. Our objective is to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce cargo dwell time and build a predictable, efficient and digitally enabled clearance system that supports trade and economic growth,” he said.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. William Ruto reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to implementing the agreed measures in close partnership with KRA and industry stakeholders, emphasising that port efficiency is a shared responsibility across the logistics chain.
“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,” he said.
As an immediate intervention to ease congestion, stakeholders agreed that all long stay consignments earmarked for auction or destruction will be transferred to designated Container Freight Stations. The exercise will begin with cargo that has remained at the port beyond 21 days, starting at the G section of the port. The evacuation is expected to free up critical yard space, easing congestion and improving overall operational flow.
To further accelerate cargo clearance, KRA will expand its Pre Arrival Processing framework, with priority given to bulk cargo, low risk shipments, and Authorized Economic Operator consignments. Under the enhanced system, cargo will be processed before arrival at the port, significantly reducing clearance times, improving predictability, and minimising delays.
Addressing persistent shortages of Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System seals, KRA will introduce a multi vendor model through an open expression of interest process. The move is expected to strengthen system resilience, ensure uninterrupted cargo tracking, and eliminate disruptions caused by seal shortages.
In a bid to improve cargo evacuation from the port, KRA and KPA will engage the Kenya Railways Corporation to deploy additional wagons on the Standard Gauge Railway. This will accelerate the transfer of cargo to the Embakasi and Naivasha Inland Container Depots, reducing pressure on the port and key road corridors while improving evacuation timelines.
Stakeholders also resolved to increase the utilisation of Lamu Port for transhipment cargo to ease pressure on Kilindini and unlock the full potential of Kenya’s northern maritime gateway. KPA has committed to dedicating adequate infrastructure and operational resources to support transhipment activities at Lamu.
To address inefficiencies in the handling of empty containers, KPA has allocated a dedicated site within the port for stacking and loading empty units. A new industry framework on empty container management will take effect from 26 January 2026 and is expected to improve coordination and turnaround times across the port.
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, delivering immediate gains in output and service quality.
The reforms were unveiled during a high level stakeholders meeting chaired by Mr. Wattanga and Capt. Ruto, bringing together key players in the maritime and logistics ecosystem, including transporters, shippers, freight forwarders, ship agents, and regulators.
Officials said the coordinated approach signals a renewed commitment to improving port performance and is expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as East Africa’s premier logistics and trade hub.
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