KRA, KPA Unveil Major Reforms to Decongest Mombasa Port, Speed Up Cargo Clearance

By Feddy Madebe

The Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Ports Authority have jointly announced sweeping reforms designed to reduce congestion at the Port of Mombasa and accelerate cargo clearance processes.

In a statement issued Saturday, January 24, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga described the measures as a strategic transformation toward establishing a more predictable, efficient, and digitally integrated port operation.

A central component of the reform package involves relocating overstayed consignments designated for auction or disposal to specified container freight stations. The initiative will begin with cargo that has exceeded the 21-day storage threshold at the port.

The evacuation operation will commence at the G-section of the facility and is anticipated to quickly release substantial yard capacity, alleviating congestion and enhancing operational efficiency.

Wattanga emphasized that the Port of Mombasa serves as a vital national and regional trade corridor, making operational improvements essential to maintaining Kenya’s competitive position in international commerce.

“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 and efficient clearance system,” he stated.

To expedite processing procedures, KRA announced plans to expand its pre-arrival processing framework, prioritizing bulk cargo, low-risk shipments, and consignments from authorized economic operators.

The enhanced system will enable cargo documentation to be processed prior to vessel arrival, substantially reducing clearance timeframes, improving predictability, and minimizing operational delays, according to the revenue authority.

Addressing ongoing shortages of Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System seals, KRA disclosed plans to implement a multi-vendor supply model through an open expression of interest process.

“This approach is expected to strengthen system resilience, ensure uninterrupted cargo tracking, and eliminate disruptions associated with seal shortages,” Wattanga explained.

Meanwhile, KRA and KPA leadership have committed to coordinating with Kenya Railways Corporation to deploy additional wagons on the Standard Gauge Railway, expediting cargo transfer to the Embakasi and Naivasha container depots.

The two authorities also agreed to increase utilization of Lamu Port for transhipment operations, reducing pressure on Kilindini harbor while maximizing the capabilities of Kenya’s northern maritime facility.

To improve empty container management, KPA has designated a specific area within the port exclusively for stacking and loading empty units, addressing previous handling inefficiencies.

The comprehensive reform package was announced following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting co-chaired by Wattanga and KPA Managing Director William Ruto, which convened key participants from the maritime and logistics sectors.

The coordinated effort between the two government agencies represents a significant policy shift aimed at positioning Mombasa as a more competitive regional trade hub and improving Kenya’s overall logistics infrastructure performance.