Kilindini Harbour, a large, natural deep-water inlet, extends inland from Mombasa, Kenya. The name "Kilindini" is derived from a Swahili term meaning "deep down" or "in the depths," referring to the channel's considerable depth.
It is 25-30 fathoms (46-55 m) at its deepest center, although the controlling depth is the outer channel in the port approaches with a dredged depth of 17.5 m (57 ft). Kilindini Harbour is the main part of the Port of Mombasa, the only international seaport in Kenya and the biggest port in East Africa. It serves as the harbour for Mombasa, with a hinterland extending to Uganda.
The Port of Mombasa is managed by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). It comprises Kilindini Harbour, Port Reitz, the Old Port, Port Tudor, and the whole of the tidal waters encircling Mombasa Island.
A Historical Overview
Mombasa has a centuries-old history as a harbour city. The Kilindini harbour was inaugurated in 1896 when work started on the construction of the Uganda Railway.
Construction of the line began at the Kilindini Harbour in Mombasa in 1895. Around 1900, the line arrived at the present site of the city of Nairobi. Indeed, Nairobi owes its existence to railway engineers who drained a vast swamp, thus enabling the construction of permanent buildings. Indian labourers began commercial activities to cater for railway crews and colonial administrators.
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Eventually, the British Government took over the territories of Kenya and Uganda from the Imperial British East Africa Company. The railway was expanded from Eldoret to Kampala, bypassing the use of ships on Lake Victoria from Kisumu.
After independence in the early 1960s, railway and port operations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were administered by a single body: the East African Railways and Harbours. The break up of the East African Community in 1977 marked the beginning of the end for the region’s railway system. Each of the three East African countries took up running its own system. In Kenya, railway and port operations were split between two state-owned corporations: Kenya Railways and Kenya Ports Authority.
During World War II, while Kenya was a British colony, Kilindini became the temporary base of the British Eastern Fleet from early 1942 until the Japanese naval threat to Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) had been removed. Nearby, the Far East Combined Bureau, an outstation of the British code-breaking operation at Bletchley Park, was housed in a requisitioned school and had success in breaking Japanese naval codes.
KRA and KPA ink deal to stramline operations at the Mombasa port
Expansion and Modernization
On August 29, 2013, expansion of the port enabled it to handle Panamax Vessels. The project was launched in July 2011 at a cost of $82.15 million by the Kenyan Government and was carried out by China Roads and Bridge Corporation.
The Kenyan Government has also started facilitating the development of a Free Port on a 1,200 ha (3,000 acres) of land owned by the Authority at Dongo Kundu area through public private partnership arrangements. Also underway is the Road Bypass project to link the project area and Mombasa - Lunga Lunga - Nairobi Highway. Known as the Dongo Kundu bypass the projects aim is to ease traffic flow to Kenya's South Coast. The cost for the Short-term Plan for Lamu Port Project, including the first 3 berths, is estimated to be US$664 million.
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Kilindini Harbour as a Cruise Destination
Travellers to Mombasa on cruise ships reach it at Kilindini Harbour on the western side of the island. In addition to being the busiest in Kenya, handling most of the cargo shipping for East Africa, it also accommodates passenger cruise ships. The port is visited by small and medium sized cruise vessels usually operating on Indian Ocean itineraries.
The cruising season runs from September through March. In 2013, 6 cruise ships called in, bringing 3,000 passengers. In October 2016, 1,880 cruise tourists arrived on mainly small-sized ships including Oceania Nautica (591 pax, 400 crew) and Silver Cloud (216 pax, 222 crew).
For season 2017-2018, the port had scheduled 5 cruise ships with passengers mainly from the USA, Canada and the UK. The first liner of season 2018-2019 (Oceania Nautica) docked at Port Mombasa on December 24th, 2018, carrying 1,048 travellers (648 pax, 400 crew). Other schedules in 2019 were Seabourn Sojourn (February 4), Silver Whisper (April 3) and Albatros (November 3).
The new cruise terminal at Berth 1 was completed in July 2019 to boost its potential to attract cruise ships. Its docking capacity is now two Oasis-class ships, simultaneously.
Strategic Importance and Operations
The Port of Mombasa is the gateway and exit point for cargo belonging to a vast hinterland that include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.
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Kilindini, which in Swahili translates to a channel of deep water, is one of three main harbours along Kenya’s coast whose name bears meaning to its deep quays. It is 25-30 fathoms (150-180 meters) at its deepest center. The other two are Kilifi and Malindi.
The unbusy Mtongwe Ferry crosses Kilindini Channel, which extends northerly to Tudor Creek and west to Mteza Creek and Port Reitz.
Kilindini Harbour is a vital East African logistics center. While not a typical tourist attraction, its significance as a major port for imports and exports, especially for Uganda, is noteworthy. Appreciate its role in regional trade and infrastructure.
Visiting Kilindini Harbour
Kilindini Harbour offers stunning ocean views, especially during sunrise. Plan your visit for the golden hour to capture breathtaking scenery and avoid the midday heat. Consider the best time to visit for optimal photography and a more relaxed experience.
Kilindini Harbour is accessible by road. Major highways and flyovers connect to it, including routes leading to Moi International Airport. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Mombasa. While direct public transport might be limited, local buses and matatus operate within Mombasa, and you can likely connect to routes that pass near the harbour area.
As a major port, Kilindini Harbour is a significant landmark in Mombasa and is well-signposted. Its location is central to the city's transport network. Driving to Kilindini Harbour is possible, and the area is served by major roads. Be aware of port traffic and potential security checkpoints.
Kilindini Harbour itself is an operational port and not a typical tourist attraction with an entry fee. Viewing points are generally accessible without tickets. As an active port, Kilindini Harbour operates 24/7 for its logistical functions. Viewing areas are accessible during daylight hours. There is no specific entrance fee for general viewing of the harbour.
The best photography spots are often elevated areas offering panoramic views, especially during sunrise for golden hour light. Look for vantage points along the coast. Photography for personal use is generally allowed from public viewing areas. However, avoid photographing sensitive port operations or security installations.
While not a typical tourist attraction, you can enjoy the scenic views of the bustling port, watch ships, and appreciate its significance as a major East African logistics hub. Kilindini Harbour is a working port, so general safety precautions apply. Stick to designated viewing areas and be aware of your surroundings.
A visit can range from an hour to a few hours, depending on your interest in observing port activities and enjoying the coastal scenery. It's one of the largest and busiest harbours in East Africa, serving as a crucial gateway for imports and exports for Kenya and neighboring landlocked countries like Uganda.
Seafarers' Ministry
The Mission to Seafarers has a long history in Kilindini Port. The idea for a Mission to Seafarers location came to the port, and the Revd G.M. Wright convened a meeting in Mombasa. The Mission and the government allocated a plot of land to build a centre. The building was opened for the Mission in April 1944. The Mission provided valuable services to visiting merchant mariners.
Civil unrest and war in neighbouring Somalia and the Middle East brought more ship traffic into the port and more seafarers into the Mission. Mombasa port became a key centre of crew change for ships recently released from hijackers, but also a staging ground for security guards between vessels, many of who made use of the Mission.
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