Japan and Kenya Upgrade Port of Mombasa

A Japanese parliamentary delegation, led by Councillor Akiko Ikuina, recently visited the Port of Mombasa. The visit highlighted the long-standing and impactful partnership between Japan and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

The relationship, fostered through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has spanned decades and focuses on capacity building, infrastructure modernization, and long-range planning to meet growing trade demands.

Mombasa Port Development Project

The Mombasa Port Development Project is a flagship initiative significantly expanding container handling capacity. Construction of a modern container terminal has improved the port’s efficiency and safety, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels and higher cargo volumes. The project is currently in its second phase, and construction of berths 23 and 24 is scheduled to begin soon, representing a strategic investment in Kenya’s trade future. Rising cargo volumes, driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and regional integration, necessitate this increased capacity to maintain Kenya’s economic competitiveness.

Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone

JICA’s support extends beyond port operations with the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone project. This initiative aims to position Kenya as a manufacturing and logistics hub, reducing reliance on raw exports and promoting value-added production. Development of industrial parks, free trade zones, and supporting infrastructure is underway, aligning industrial growth with port connectivity. A dedicated berth for Dongo Kundu is being developed to integrate manufacturing, logistics, and maritime transport.

Partnership Significance

The Japanese parliamentary delegation’s visit underscores broad political support for Kenya’s maritime sector within Japan. This stability reassures stakeholders of durable cooperation. The JICA–KPA partnership prioritizes quality, sustainability, and local institutional strengthening, evident in improved terminal layouts and enhanced planning capacity within KPA.

The Port of Mombasa’s expansion and the development of Dongo Kundu exemplify how strategic collaboration can translate vision into lasting infrastructure and shared prosperity.