The port of Mombasa handled a record 45.45 million metric tons of cargo in 2025, marking a landmark year for Kenya’s trade sector, according to data from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
This marks a 10.9% increase from the previous year, translating to an additional 4.46 million tons of goods moving across its quays.
With the pulse of global trade often measured in containers, the Port of Mombasa outdid itself in this sector. According to Captain William Ruto, Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority, container traffic increased to 2.11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This 5.5% increase cements its status as a premier container hub on the Indian Ocean coast.
However, the strongest sign of its regional indispensability came from transit cargo, which skyrocketed by 19.5% to 15.88 million metric tons. This surge proved that the port continues to be a vital gateway for landlocked neighbors. It is a corridor of commerce thriving even amidst intensifying regional port competition.
The Port of Lamu also emerged as a star performer with a dramatic transformation. Its cargo volumes increased from 74,380 metric tons in 2024 to 799,161 tons in 2025, driven significantly by new container services, as the port recorded 55,687 TEUs in total container traffic over the period. According to Captain William Ruto, this is a promise of future growth, as more shipping lines are now calling at Lamu regularly.
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Similarly, the rejuvenated Port of Kisumu on Lake Victoria saw a 55% increase in cargo, processing 496,516 metric tons in 2025 compared to 295,516 metric tons in 2024.
KPA is actively pushing forward with critical infrastructure projects to handle this escalating demand. Key among these are developments at specific berths, which are poised to add 1.4 million TEUs of capacity, directly targeting congestion and aiming to sharpen vessel turnaround times.
Simultaneously, a digital transformation is underway: the terminal operating system upgrade is 40% complete, while automated gate systems are 60% complete. These technological strides, coupled with ongoing equipment modernization and deeper collaboration with industry partners, are designed to weave greater efficiency, security, and accuracy into port operations.
This balanced growth shows a sector that is growing stronger, making Kenya a more competitive and vital logistics hub for all of East Africa.
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