Persistent congestion and logistical delays at the Port of Mombasa are increasingly disrupting coffee export operations, affecting producers in Kenya and neighbouring East African countries who rely on the port as their main gateway to global markets. Industry reports highlight mounting delays in berthing, container handling, and customs processing, resulting in missed vessel deadlines and slower shipment flows.
Exporters say that truck queues, shortages of containers and slower clearance procedures are contributing to the backlog, making it harder for coffee consignments to reach shipping lines on time. These bottlenecks not only delay deliveries but also raise costs for farmers and supply chains, increasing the risk of quality deterioration in time-sensitive cargoes like green coffee beans.
The impact extends beyond Kenya: traders in Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, whose exports also transit through Mombasa, are facing similar delays, underlining the port’s central role in East Africa’s agricultural exports.
Industry observers and logistics specialists say that ageing infrastructure, container shortages and administrative slowdowns at Mombasa are key factors in the congestion, which has broader implications for the region’s competitiveness and export revenues.