Sh41 billion expansion of Mombasa Port to start in December, Kindiki says

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the Nyali Constituency Economic Empowerment event in Mombasa on Sunday/DPCS

The government is set to commence a Sh41 billion expansion of the Port of Mombasa by December, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced.

Speaking during the Nyali Constituency Economic Empowerment event in Mombasa on Sunday, Kindiki said the expansion project will enhance the port’s capacity to handle the rising volume of cargo witnessed over the past three years.

“The President ensured port operations were restored immediately after assuming office. Now, it is time to expand the facility. The President will be here to launch the project, which will cost Sh41 billion,” he said.

The port expansion is part of a broader government investment drive in Mombasa and other coastal counties, which are key to President William Ruto’s development agenda.

According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), container traffic at the port has grown significantly from 1.4 million to 2 million containers, underscoring the need for urgent expansion to boost efficiency and reduce congestion.

“The government is committed to making the Port of Mombasa more efficient and capable of handling increased operations because it is a vital gateway for our country’s trade,” Kindiki added.

Other major projects in the region include the dualling of the Nyali Bridge–Mtwapa–Kilifi highway, the expansion of the Changamwe–Jomvu–Mazeras–Mariakani road, and the completion of the Dongo Kundu Bypass, all aimed at easing transport and boosting economic activity in the coastal belt.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the Nyali Constituency Economic Empowerment event in Mombasa on Sunday/DPCS

Kindiki emphasized that President Ruto’s administration has given unprecedented attention to the Coast region compared to previous governments.

“Past administrations made promises to the people of the Coast but failed to deliver. President Ruto’s government is different — it is implementing what others only talked about,” he said.

Mombasa County is also a key beneficiary of the Affordable Housing Programme, with Sh6 billion allocated for the Nyali Phase 1 Housing Project, which will deliver 2,000 units, and an additional Sh1 billion set aside for Phase 2, targeting 83 units.

The government is also prioritizing investment in the blue economy through projects such as the Sh175 million Kidongo Fish Landing Site in Kisauni, the Sh77 million Likoni Fish Market, and the Sh1.5 billion Tuna Fish Hub. Construction of the Liwatoni Fish Port is also ongoing.

“President Ruto is the first to invest heavily in the blue economy. We aim to grow the fishing industry to empower the people of Mombasa and the entire coastal region,” Kindiki noted.

The Deputy President further assured residents that the government is committed to resolving long-standing squatter issues that have affected thousands in the region.

“We have already allocated Sh2 billion to settle squatters. The government intends to comprehensively address the land question in the Coast region,” he stated.

Kindiki also lauded Mombasa residents for leading in the registration of the Social Health Authority (SHA) cover, saying the county tops nationally with 900,000 of its 1.1 million residents already enrolled for universal medical insurance.