President William Ruto has announced plans to expand and modernise the Port of Mombasa as part of efforts to increase its capacity and strengthen its role as a regional trade hub.
Speaking at the Mama Ngina Drive Grounds in Mombasa on Friday, October 2, Ruto said the port could serve not only Kenya but also the wider East African region and landlocked markets extending as far as the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The President said the government would tap into the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) to finance the planned expansion.
Under the project, berths 11 to 14 as well as berths 23 and 24 will be rebuilt and modernised. Ruto said the works are expected to raise the port’s handling capacity from the current 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4.5 million TEUs within three years.
Ruto said the expansion would boost economic activity in Mombasa and contribute to the growth of Kenya’s wider economy.
Meanwhile, the President announced that construction of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is scheduled to begin in December 2026.
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He said about Ksh70 billion, equivalent to approximately $300 million, would be invested in developing the special economic zone.
The announcements come shortly after Ruto outlined plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Voi to Taveta and onward into Tanzania.
Speaking during a church service in Mwatate on September 27, the President said the extension would support efforts to strengthen transport links within the East African Community.
The government has already set aside Ksh5 billion towards the railway extension, according to Ruto.
He further said SGR stations would be established in Mwatate, Bura, Mwakitau and Taveta as part of the planned expansion.
