Mombasa Port Capacity Breached: KPA Pleads for Aid Amid Massive Cargo Influx
Equity Bank Managing Director Moses Nyabanda and Equity Group Non-Executive Director Samuel Mwale present a special gift to Ismail Gulam, Director of Operations at Kyoga Hauliers, in recognition of their valued partnership and continued collaboration
Mombasa, Kenya – November 17, 2025 – The economic engine of East Africa is hitting its limit. The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) is sounding the alarm, warning that surging cargo volumes and record transshipment traffic are dangerously stretching the Mombasa Port’s infrastructure, prompting an urgent call for capacity enhancement interventions.
KPA Managing Director, Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto, revealed the critical constraints during a high-profile visit by Equity Bank Kenya’s Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda.
“Right now, we are already overwhelmed. Cargo has grown so fast that our capacity has been stretched,” stated Captain Ruto, emphasizing the immediate need for infrastructure investment to avoid bottlenecks that could threaten regional trade flows.
Digital Lifeline: KPA Embraces FinTech for Efficiency
Despite the physical infrastructure crunch, Captain Ruto praised a key operational intervention: the implementation of digitized payment systems powered by Equity Bank. This partnership has streamlined logistics, offering a glimpse of the efficiency potential when physical constraints are met with digital solutions.
“You’ve made things very simple for us. Today, a customer pays from anywhere, and the gate system updates instantly. That efficiency matters,” Captain Ruto noted.
In response, Equity Bank’s Nyabanda pledged deeper strategic support, assuring the KPA that Equity is ready to be a key financial partner as the port embarks on necessary expansion projects.
Logistics Sector Echoes Capacity Demands
The capacity strain is not limited to the port gates. Equity Bank’s outreach extended to key players in the logistics supply chain, including Autoports Freight Terminal and Kyoga Hauliers, where similar urgent calls for financial support and expansion were heard.
Autoports Freight Terminal Chairman, Abubakar Ali Joho, highlighted that the rapid growth in fertilizers, steel, and bulk cargo has overwhelmed their handling and warehousing capabilities. He stressed the need for tailored financial solutions to fund expansion, stating, “We’re growing, but capacity is becoming a challenge.”
Kyoga Hauliers Operations Director, Ismail Gulam, focused on the high-risk nature of trucking logistics, citing thin margins, volatile fuel costs, and reliance on working capital. He welcomed Equity’s involvement in creating solutions.
Nyabanda promised a close partnership to co-create these tailored financial solutions, stating, “Your growth is Kenya’s growth. We are here not just as bankers, but as partners ready to walk this journey with you.”
Equity Expands Coastal Development Focus: From SMEs to Green Mobility
Equity Bank’s engagement went beyond logistics, targeting development across the Coast region.
SME Support: At a forum in Diani, Kwale County, local entrepreneurs received what the Minister for Tourism, Trade, and Enterprise Development, Michael Mutua, called “a lifeline.” Discussions focused on financing, mentorship, and building a more resilient coastal economy, with Kwale County MP Fatuma Masito commending Equity’s commitment.
Green Innovation: The bank explored sustainability by meeting with German Honorary Consul Stefan Wentzel regarding the Sunny Tuk Tuk project, which aims to replace diesel tuk-tuks with electric models. Nyabanda lauded the initiative as fitting perfectly with the bank’s mission to empower responsible growth, signaling support for green mobility as a path to job creation for youth and women.
Nyabanda affirms that the bank is committed to transform innovation through partnerships as they end their visit. “Kenya’s transformation will come from partnerships rooted in trust, innovation, and shared values.
