By Johnson Mwangangi
MOMBASA — The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has issued a formal notice requiring all shipping lines and relevant cargo handlers to urgently remove long-stay containers and condemned cargo currently occupying space at the Port of Mombasa. This move is part of a broader port clean-up and yard optimization initiative aimed at improving service efficiency, safety, and operational flow at the country’s busiest seaport.
According to the public notice released on 31 July 2025, the directive follows a comprehensive yard audit conducted by KPA. The audit revealed a substantial number of containers that have overstayed in the port and are now either condemned or marked for destruction.
KPA has provided a 14-day window for all affected parties to comply. The final deadline for removal or evacuation of the listed cargo is close of business on 14 August 2025. The notice makes it clear that failure to meet the deadline will result in the Authority taking direct action to either destroy or remove the containers. All costs incurred in the process will be borne by the container owners, and no further communication will be issued before this is done.
The Managing Director of KPA, Capt. William K. Ruto, signed the notice, emphasizing the importance of immediate compliance to help free up space and maintain smooth operations at the port. “The Port of Mombasa is a national asset. It cannot be allowed to be congested by abandoned or overstayed cargo,” the statement reads in part.
Port users and stakeholders are urged to treat the matter as urgent and take necessary steps to clear their cargo from the port premises. KPA has published the list of affected containers online, and it is accessible through the Authority’s official website.
To check if your cargo is listed, visit:
http://kpa.co.ke/Pages/PublicNotices.aspx
KPA says this exercise is part of a long-term strategy to ensure optimal use of limited yard space and to prevent future operational disruptions. It also aligns with the authority’s broader mandate to streamline service delivery and strengthen safety protocols within the port.
Over the past few years, long-stay containers and abandoned cargo have been flagged as key contributors to congestion at Mombasa Port. With global shipping volumes increasing and space at a premium, KPA has been stepping up its efforts to enforce stricter yard management policies.
Stakeholders in the maritime, logistics, and shipping industries are encouraged to liaise with KPA’s customer service and operations teams should they require clarification or support in complying with the directive. No extensions will be granted beyond the stipulated date.
This announcement serves as a final reminder. All concerned parties are advised to take immediate action.
