NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 24 – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have unveiled a fresh set of reforms aimed at speeding up cargo clearance at the Port of Mombasa as congestion continues to strain trade flows through the regional gateway.
The joint measures focus on reducing cargo dwell time by shifting clearance processes upstream and improving cargo evacuation from the port through rail and off-port facilities.
Under the new approach, long-stay cargo that has remained at the port for more than 21 days and is earmarked for auction or destruction will be transferred to designated Container Freight Stations. The exercise, which begins at the G-section of the port, is expected to quickly free up yard space and improve vessel turnaround times.
KRA will also scale up pre-arrival processing, allowing import documentation and risk assessments to be completed before cargo lands at the port. Priority will be given to bulk cargo, low-risk shipments and Authorized Economic Operator consignments, a move expected to significantly cut clearance timelines.
To strengthen cargo evacuation, the two agencies will work with Kenya Railways to deploy additional Standard Gauge Railway wagons to move containers to the Embakasi and Naivasha Inland Container Depots, easing pressure on port storage areas and key road corridors.
The reforms further include the introduction of a multi-vendor system for Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) seals to address persistent shortages that have previously disrupted cargo movements.
Officials said the changes are intended to improve operational efficiency and reinforce the Port of Mombasa’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub serving East and Central Africa.
