The Port of Mombasa has posted a significant increase in cargo throughput for the period from January to September 2024, handling a total of 29.92 million tons.

This represents a 12.1 percent rise from the 26.68 million tons recorded during the same period last year, reflecting the port’s resilience and growing capacity amid increasing trade volumes.

Kenya Port Authority (KPA) in a statement revealed that container traffic saw a substantial boost, with the port processing 1.5 milllion Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) compared to 1.2 million TEUs in 2023, an increase of 270,454 TEUs or 22.7 percent.

Likewise, Transshipment traffic also surged dramatically, growing by 162.8 percent, or 216,339 TEUs, over the previous year.

Both imports and exports experienced steady growth. Imports rose by 5.2 percent, totaling 27,656 TEUs, while exports increased by 4.3 percent, reaching 22,273 TEUs.

Meanwhile, transit cargo volumes also climbed, totaling 9.83 million tons up 17.6 percent compared to 2023, when transit volumes stood at 8.36 million tons.

Uganda was a major driver of this growth, contributing an additional 1.13 million tons, reflecting a 21.9 percent surge.

KPA Managing Director William Ruto attributed the impressive performance to the dedication of port workers and the support of stakeholders.

He highlighted that the month of September alone saw the port handle 3.4 million tons of cargo, up 23.6 percent from the same period in 2023.

Ruto pointed out that the rise in containerized cargo and liquid bulk were key contributors to the port’s growth.

Containerized cargo volumes increased by 395,583 tons (27.6 percent), while liquid bulk surged by 293,308 tons (54.7 percent) during the period.

“We are committed to enhancing our services and facilities to accommodate the growing demand and continue to support the region’s economic development,” he said.