Kenya and Rwanda Sign an Mou on Operationalization of the Kigali Liaison Office

Cargo volumes through the Port of Mombasa have hit a record 45.45 million metric tons for the period January to December 2025.This is a 10.0 percent increase or 4.46 million metric tons in comparison to 2024 when the port handled 40.99 million metric tons .Similarly, significant growth was attained in container traffic reaching a total of 2.11 million TEUs, against 2.00 million TEUs in 2024, representing a growth rate of 109,797 TEUs, or 5.5 percent.

The Kenya Ports Authority performance for 2025

In a media briefing to release the Kenya Ports Authority performance outlook for 2025, Managing Director Capt. William Ruto also announced that, transit cargo followed a similar trajectory after posting 15.88 million tons from 13.29 million tons in 2024, which translates to 2.59 million metric tons or 19.5 percent.

The MD also noted that every port facility registered growth with the Port of Lamu recording the highest improvement.The facility handled an impressive 799,161 metric tons against 74,380 metric tons recorded the previous year mainly driven by containerized cargo. Similarly, 55,687 TEUs total container traffic was realized during the period

“With more shipping lines introducing regular services at Lamu, this is a promise for more cargo volumes through the port in the subsequent years, said Capt. Ruto.

 Growth of the inland waterway port of Kisumu 

Notable growth was also realized at the inland waterway port of Kisumu which processed 496,516 metric tons in 2025, compared to 295,516 metric tons the previous year amounting to a 55.0 percent growth or 163,085 metric tons.

Several planned and ongoing initiatives are attributed to this growth as per the MD who confirmed that the Authority is developing infrastructure to meet the rising demand. Key being the expansion of berths and yard space including berth 19B, 23 and 24 that will create an additional capacity of 1.4 million TEUs.

Upgrading the Terminal Operating System 

Capt Ruto also announced that KPA is upgrading the Terminal Operating System currently at 40 percent completion and gates automation which have attained a 60 percent completion rate for gates 23 and 24.

Acquisition and modernisation of Equipment is also at an advanced stage of implementation, even as the Authority enhances collaboration with the industry players to streamline services.

Operationalize the Kenya Ports Authority’s Liaison Office 

On the other hand the Government of Kenya and Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to operationalize the Kenya Ports Authority’s Liaison Office in Kigali, Rwanda. The signing ceremony was presided over by Kenya’s Principal Secretary State Department for Transport, Mr. Mohamed Daghar, and Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, CPA Canoth Manishiwe, in Kigal

 Deepen regional integration and enhance the two nations strategic roles 

Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Mohamed Daghar described the agreement as a testament to the shared commitment to deepen regional integration, trade and enhance the two nations’ strategic roles within East Africa’s maritime and inland logistics corridors.  “The operationalization of the Kigali office reflects the two nations determination to support seamless cargo movement and promote competitive trade across the region.” he noted.

A positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations 

On his part, Rwanda’s PS Manishimwe highlighted the critical role played by KPA in facilitating regional trade and supporting Rwandan businesses. “The signing of this MoU is a positive step towards enhancing bilateral relations between our two countries,” he said.  He lauded the Kenya Ports Authority for the Kigali liaison office, noting that it has made it easier and more cost-effective for the Rwanda customers to clear their cargo from the comfort of their homes.Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto underscored the Authority’s ongoing initiatives to streamline port operations, improve capacity, and enhance service delivery.

Rwanda  one of the Port of Mombasa’s key transit markets

Rwanda remains one of the Port of Mombasa’s key transit markets. In the port performance report for the year 2025, the market grew by 22%, or 156,107 metric tons, in comparison to the previous year after recording 839,366 metric tons against 683,259 metric tons.

Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Nasser Okoth, KPA Director Ms. Beatrice Nyamoita, General Manager of Corporate Services Mr. Edward Kamau, and Manager of Contracts and Conveyancing Mr. Robert Warui were among the officials present at the event.

About : Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)

It is noteworthy that Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is a state corporation responsible for managing and operating Kenya’s Seaports, Inland waterways and Ferry Services. KPA operates the Port of Mombasa, Lamu, Kisumu, Shimoni and Inland Container Depots in Nairobi and Naivasha. Other scheduled small ports that KPA is responsible for include Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kiunga, Funzi and Vanga and other feeder ports in Nyanza

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Source : Press - Release

#Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) #Port of Mombasa #Rwanda#Mr. Nasser Okoth #Kigali Liaison Office # Capt. William Ruto