Mombasa Port goes digital, huge leap for Kenyan trade

Lezeth Khoza
By Lezeth Khoza, Junior journalist
Johannesburg, 28 Oct 2025
The Kenya Ports Authority will enable smarter gate operations, enhanced control of cargo movements, and reduced dwell times via the digital port community system.
The Kenya Ports Authority will enable smarter gate operations, enhanced control of cargo movements, and reduced dwell times via the digital port community system.

DP World, a global logistics firm headquartered in Dubai, has introduced a digital port community system (PCS) at the Port of Mombasa in order to streamline operations and enhance trade efficiency in Kenya.

According to the firm, the PCS was developed in collaboration with EMEA Port Logistics and implemented in partnership with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

While DP World does not operate the Port of Mombasa, the new system allows all port users, public and private, to benefit from increased cargo visibility, operational efficiency, and faster cargo clearance.

The major port, which serves as the gateway to more than a dozen landlocked nations in East and Central Africa, handles a substantial amount of the region's imports and exports, making digital transformation crucial to Africa's trade competitiveness, according to the business.

It added that once fully operational, the system is expected to cut cargo clearance times by up to 30%, improving turnaround for more than 3,000 port users annually.

The firm went on to say through the PCS, users including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, transport companies, and customs agents will gain access to a comprehensive suite of digital tools covering cargo tracking, gate booking, billing, payments, and real-time status updates.

For the KPA, the PCS will enable smarter gate operations, improved control of cargo movements, and reduced dwell times, strengthening Mombasa’s position as a leading maritime hub that connects East and Central Africa to global markets.

Mahmood Albastaki, chief operating officer of digital trade solutions at DP World, commented: “Digitisation is no longer optional; it’s essential for unlocking the full potential of African trade. By introducing this platform in Kenya, we are connecting Africa’s ports to the digital economy and setting a new regional benchmark for digital integration and transparency.”

“This partnership with DP World marks an important step in advancing Kenya’s logistics capabilities. Together, we’re creating a connected and transparent ecosystem that benefits all players in the trade chain,” added Jack Rono, director of EMEA Port Logistics.

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