Mombasa: The Kenya Ship Agents Association (KSAA) is urging the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to implement long-term measures to decongest the Port of Mombasa and resolve an escalating crisis involving more than 20,000 empty containers.
According to Kenya News Agency, KSAA CEO Elijah Mbaru highlighted that the industry has recently been facing heightened volatility, which includes increased business costs, vessels waiting for days at the outer anchorage, and spillover effects from the post-election crisis in a neighboring country. Mbaru emphasized the challenges with hinterland connectivity, stating that delays in receiving boxes lead to substantial financial damages in ship charter fees and other associated costs. He added that achieving efficiency in the supply chain and logistics is crucial, and they are collaborating closely with government agencies such as KPA, Kentrade, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and Kenya Railways to develop a lasting solution.
KSAA Chairman Roger Dainty confirmed that congestion at the Port of Mombasa remains a persistent challenge, describing it as a continuation from the same period last year when more vessels traditionally dock during the final quarter. Dainty noted that the unresolved congestion has resulted in reduced productivity and difficulties in loading empty containers out of the country, leading to further congestion in depots. Despite these challenges, he mentioned progress in recent weeks, with a vessel moving 3,000 containers out last week and plans to evacuate more underway. However, Dainty expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the measures implemented by KPA and KRA in significantly impacting the issue.
The agents are advocating for more containers to be designated to Container Freight Stations to alleviate the buildup at port terminals and depots, creating space to evacuate empty containers. The Chairman noted that 20 container ships and several break-bulk ships are waiting on the outer anchorage to dock at the Port of Mombasa.
Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya stressed the need for urgent action to address bottlenecks affecting port operations to maintain a competitive edge against other neighboring ports. Thoya urged the management to activate the Port Users Committee to tackle the congestion and enhance port efficiency. He pointed out that logistics is the lifeline of Mombasa, with the transportation of cargo to the hinterland and neighboring landlocked countries heavily reliant on the port’s efficiency.
The County Government of Mombasa has pledged to collaborate with KPA to identify nearby spaces for container storage, acknowledging the city’s land constraints and the high cost of establishing operational areas outside the port.
