IS THE PORT OF MOMBASA IMPORTANT?

The Port of Mombasa is the main port to the Eastern African region, acting as a link between countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Northern Tanzania, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Somalia. The Port serves a region with a population of over 250 million people.

 With direct connectivity to over 80 seaports worldwide and 33 shipping lines calling at the Port, it plays a vital role in import and export transport.The port consists of 16 deep-water berths, a dedicated container terminal, two bulk terminals (cereals and cement), two oil terminals and a passenger terminal.

There are so many activities especially economic activities that are carried along the port of Mombasa. These activities have impacts not only to the residents of Mombasa but also Kenya as a whole either negatively or positively. Here are some impacts;

     1. Housing 

Housing is a valuable contributor to economic growth to any country. Mostly people argue that housing has no impact to an economy but housing should never be seen as just shelter but an investment because Housing is a substantial contributor to GDP.

The Kenya Ports Authority has made sure that their employees are housed and are in a favourable environment. 

          2. Development of infrastructure

  In the years between 1990 and 2000 there was a rise in waiting time for the cargoes to be transported to the various destinations because of the damaged Mombasa -Nairobi highway and there was no alternative way. Currently the KPA has made an effort to reconstruct the roads and with the help of the introduction of the Standard Gauge Railway, cargoes are smoothly moved easily to their destination and there is a reduction of congestion on the roads.

       3.Creation of employment

Mombasa port is the trade gateway to an extensive economic hinterland in the Eastern Africa region stretching across Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi to Eastern DRC. This means the Port has alot to be done and so more personnel is needed to make sure that everything is done accordingly and hence those in Mombasa get to be employed by KPA.

        4.Generation of government revenue. 

With the increased activities at the  Port and smooth flow of the activities, more investment is done and in turn the process generates revenue through taxation. 

        5. Trade

Due to the improvement of roads and peaceful co existence between Kenya and the countries that she links to the Port of Mombasa there is an increase in the trading process.

The Port is of so much importance to the economy of Kenya as well as the people of Kenya for out of it residents make a living and the government in return also benefits so yes,the Port of Mombasa is important.