Introduction
Bright future ahead as master plan comes together K
enya is embarking on the most farreaching development programme the region has ever seen. At the centre of this huge investment programme is the Port of Mombasa and its operator, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The Port of Mombasa is a vital link in the transport network of both Kenya and the wider region. Up to six other countries have come to rely on their cargo being shipped through Mombasa – the only major seaport on Africa’s east coast between Tanzania and the Red Sea – so there is a huge responsibility for Kenyan authorities to provide effective, reliable and efficient maritime services. Transit trade to Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Tanzania and Rwanda accounts for some 30 per cent of the port’s throughput; and this is growing by up to 10 per cent each year. The Port of Mombasa also handles all the maritime traffic for Kenya itself; and, since Kenya is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, these are significant volumes. In 2013 the port handled some 22.3 million tonnes of cargo, including some 900,000 teu of containerised cargo, of which about 13 million tonnes was imports. It is this growth that has prompted an investment programme spanning Kenya and much of East Africa. Timely and efficient delivery of goods has become a priority for Kenya’s port and transport authorities. The major investments include:
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n Opening of extended container terminal in Mombasa in 2013 n Construction of a Second Container Terminal, to be phased in by 2016 and 2018 n Dredging of the harbour and berths to handle larger vessels n Construction due to start in 2014 of a southern by-pass for Mombasa linking the south and north coasts n Construction begun in 2013 of a new standardgauge railway linking Mombasa with Nairobi, Kampala and other hinterland destinations n Construction begun in 2013 of a new megaport in Lamu n Work begun in 2013 on a new northern transport corridor, including rail, road and pipeline services, linking Lamu with South Sudan and Ethiopia. n Free trade zone and industrial areas at Dongo Kundu