In order to expedite the transfer of goods to the Embakasi and Naivasha Inland Container Depots, KRA and KPA will work with the Kenya Railways Corporation to deploy extra wagons on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
It is anticipated that this will improve turnaround times and lessen the strain on the port and important road routes.
In an effort to improve Kenya’s standing as the region’s top logistics center, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have implemented extensive cooperative reforms targeted at clearing the Port of Mombasa, cutting down on cargo dwell time, and speeding clearance.
The changes, which were announced at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Mombasa, represent a significant change toward a port ecosystem that is technology-driven, predictable, and results-oriented.
Transporters, shippers, freight forwarders, ship brokers, and regulators attended the conference, which was presided over by KRA Commissioner-General Humphrey Wattanga and KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto.
Wattanga stated at the announcement that the actions are intended to remove persistent congestion that have compromised productivity at the busiest port in the nation.
He declared, “The Port of Mombasa is an important regional gateway as well as a national asset.”Our goal is to remove obstacles, shorten cargo dwell times, and provide a dependable, effective, and digitally enabled clearing system that promotes economic expansion and trade facilitation.
Stakeholders decided that all long-stay consignments slated for sale or destruction will be relocated from the port to certain Container Freight Stations (CFSs) as an urgent measure to reduce congestion.
It is anticipated that the exercise, which starts in the G-section with cargo that has been at the port for more than 21 days, will free up vital yard space.
KRA will extend its Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) framework in order to expedite clearance, giving bulk cargo, low-risk shipments, and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) consignments precedence.
Cargo will be processed before to arrival under the improved system, greatly cutting down on clearing times and giving traders more predictability.
KRA announced that it will implement a multi-vendor model through an open expression of interest procedure in order to address the ongoing shortages of Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) seals.
The action is anticipated to improve system resilience, guarantee continuous cargo tracking, and remove interruptions brought on by seal shortages.
In order to expedite the transfer of goods to the Embakasi and Naivasha Inland Container Depots, KRA and KPA will work with the Kenya Railways Corporation to deploy extra wagons on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
It is anticipated that this will improve turnaround times and lessen the strain on the port and important road routes.
Capt. Ruto reiterated KPA’s dedication to carrying out the agreed-upon actions in close collaboration with KRA and industry participants.
He stated, “Efficiency at the port is a shared responsibility.” “These changes will boost Mombasa’s competitiveness as a regional and international port, increase capacity, and enhance operational flow.”
KPA will commit the resources and infrastructure required to guarantee their effective execution.
Stakeholders decided to use Lamu Port more frequently for transhipment cargo in an effort to further reduce traffic at Kilindini.
KPA has pledged to provide sufficient operational and infrastructure resources to facilitate transhipment operations at the northern gateway.
To address inefficiencies in empty container handling, KPA has designated a dedicated site within the port for stacking and loading empty units.
A new industry framework on empty container management will take effect from January 26, 2026, and is expected to improve coordination and turnaround times.
Deeper digital systems integration will serve as the foundation for the reforms, which will cut manual processes, eliminate various documentation requirements, and improve operational efficiency.
In order to expedite cargo arming and exit procedures, KRA will also station more staff at port gates and RECTS offices.
The combined actions are anticipated to greatly shorten cargo stay times, increase clearance predictability, and strengthen Kenya’s position as the leading marine and logistics hub in East Africa. They also represent a strategic reset of Kenya’s port operations.
