Mombasa Port recorded a surge in cargo throughput in 2023, handling 35.98 million metric tons of cargo compared to 33.88 million metric tons handled in 2022.
This is according to statics released by the Kenya Port Authority during the launch of the 2023 Annual Review & Bulletin of Statistics on Monday.
Container traffic recorded 11.9 percent growth registering 1.62 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in 2023 compared to 1.45 million TEUs in 2022.
Speaking during the launch of the bulletin, KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto said container traffic had rebounded to the pre-pandemic growth levels sustained by macroeconomic stability of the East African economies.
Transit cargo recorded a growth of 11.5 percent to record 11.41 million metric tons in 2023 compared to 10.23 million metric tons in 2022.
“The positive economic performance of the EAC region was a major boost to the port traffic in 2023. Furthermore the extension of free storage for Local and transit containers from four to nine days and nine to 15 days respectively, enhancement of marketing activities and presidential directive to reduce bottlenecks along the Northern Corridor supported seamless logistics through the Port of Mombasa,” said Capt. Ruto.
Meanwhile, the port of Lamu handled 37,576 metric tons of cargo in 2023 against 6,539 metric tons in 2022.
Kisumu port on the other hand recorded a 119 percent increase in cargo, handling 127,745 metric tons in 2023 compared to 58,290 in 2022.
“The government of Kenya is spearheading the completion of construction of connecting roads to enable optimal utilization of the 1.2m TEU deep-water port. The road connectivity will enable Lamu to support the Port of Mombasa in meeting growing demand from domestic traffic and further improve access to transit market particularly to Ethiopia and South Sudan,” said Capt. Ruto.
Imports and Exports
Petroleum Oil & Lubricants were the top imported commodity via the port with 8,250,000 metric tons having been imported in 2023 followed by Wheat at 3,015,000 metric tons. Iron and steel come next followed by chemicals and insecticides, fertilizer, clinker, coal, clothing then paper and paper products.
In terms of exports via the port, tea remains the highest export commodity followed by coffee; titanium; tinned fruits, vegetables, and juices; soda ash; cloths; oil seeds; beans, peas, and pulses; cement bulk and lastly in the top ten exports tobacco and cigarettes.
