A logistical nightmare unfolding at the Port of Mombasa is sending economic shockwaves across Kenya, hitting transporters with crippling delays and leaving consumers to foot the bill for rising prices on essential imported goods. What began as a manageable issue has escalated into a full-blown crisis, with thousands of empty containers choking the port and surrounding depots, creating a gridlock that directly impacts the cost of living.

The heart of the issue lies in the severe delays in handling and evacuating empty containers, a responsibility caught in a blame game between shipping lines, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), and private depot operators. For the Kenyan on the street, this operational failure translates into higher prices for everything from electronics and clothing to crucial manufacturing inputs. Shipping giants like Maersk have introduced new surcharges, such as an 'Operational Cost Imports' fee of up to $33 (approx. KES 4,270) on a 40-foot container, explicitly to offset the costs of these delays. These fees, along with potential demurrage charges, are inevitably passed down the supply chain.

The Mounting Cost of Inefficiency

The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) has sounded the alarm, noting that trucks are waiting for days, instead of hours, to offload empty containers at depots that are operating far beyond capacity. This immobilises fleets, incurs massive financial losses for logistics firms, and slows the entire supply chain to a crawl. The Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA) warned that these added operational costs will be borne by the end consumer. Preliminary analysis by the council suggests that recent tariff hikes and surcharges could increase the cost per container for imports by as much as 20 to 27 percent.

This logistical snarl-up is not just an inconvenience; it is a direct tax on the Kenyan consumer. The additional shipping charges are factored into the final retail price of goods, meaning that a family buying a new television or restocking their wardrobe will pay more because of the chaos at the port. This puts further pressure on household budgets already strained by economic challenges.

Authorities Scramble for Solutions

In response to the escalating crisis, the government has initiated several measures aimed at decongesting the port. The Kenya Ports Authority and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) recently unveiled a joint strategic partnership with 13 immediate action points to streamline operations. Key among these is the relocation of long-stay cargo to Container Freight Stations (CFSs) and the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD) to free up critical space. Furthermore, authorities are offering a 100 percent waiver on accrued storage and warehouse rent for importers who clear their long-stay cargo within a 30-day window, urging shipping lines to also waive detention fees.

The government is also looking at long-term solutions, including a major expansion of the Mombasa and Lamu ports through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The plan involves revamping the container terminal and dredging the seabed to accommodate larger vessels, a move intended to bolster capacity and prevent future bottlenecks.

• Immediate Actions: Relocating long-stay cargo to inland depots.
• Incentives: 100% waiver on storage fees for a limited time to encourage clearance.
• System Overhaul: KRA is rolling out a Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) system to speed up documentation.
• Future Plans: Major port expansion funded through public-private partnerships.

KPA Managing Director William Ruto acknowledged the challenge, stating the new partnership marks “a new era of operational synergy aimed at reducing dwell time and ensuring Kenya remains a competitive gateway for regional trade.” While these initiatives signal a commitment to resolving the crisis, for transporters stuck in queues and consumers facing higher prices, the solutions cannot come fast enough. The coming months will be a critical test of whether these plans can untangle the port's logistical knot and ease the burden on the Kenyan economy.