World Bank ranks Mombasa port 375th out of 403, flags management concerns

The World Bank has ranked Mombasa port 375th out of 403 in its 2024 Global Container Port Performance Index, reflecting concerns over management instability and potential corruption risks. This is a decline from the port's position 326 out of 348 in the 2022 assessment. The port, the largest in East Africa, faces challenges linked to frequent leadership changes at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), which has seen five managing directors in the past decade.

The World Bank attributes delays and higher costs in cargo clearance to multiple inspections and corruption risks, warning that such issues increase the expense of doing business. Inland transport costs, which account for roughly a third of total shipping expenses, remain a significant issue, with shipping a 20-foot container from China to Mombasa costing around US$2,000, and from Mombasa to Nairobi an additional US$850 to US$1,250.

The Shippers Council of Eastern Africa estimates that port logistics costs make up 35 to 42 percent of the total landed cost of goods. The report also highlights the impact of multiple inspection agencies, which add additional fees, system downtime, and potential opportunities for unofficial payments. Delays in cargo clearance, inconsistent classification, and unnecessary inspections further create uncertainty for businesses and limit investment opportunities.

The World Bank recommends streamlining and digitizing inspection procedures, introducing clear service standards, and improving management stability at KPA. Additionally, the government's Roadblock Reduction Initiative aims to reduce the number of roadblocks and checkpoints along the route from Mombasa to Malaba, which could cut travel time significantly.