Boost for Kenya's tourism as Mombasa, Lamu ports see surge in international cruise arrivals

The coastal ports are reaping the benefits of a surge in cruise tourism, as Mombasa and Lamu continue to attract international cruise liners and thousands of tourists, boosting the local economy.

According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), this increase in cruise tourism is largely due to enhanced infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art cruise terminal at Mombasa Port. The year 2024 has been particularly promising for the region, with significant arrivals revitalising the sector.

Just last week, the Port of Lamu welcomed the MV SH Diana, a cruise ship carrying 127 passengers from Zanzibar. The ceremony, led by KPA’s General Manager of Lamu Port, Engineer Vincent Sidai, marked the vessel’s second visit to Lamu since its inaugural voyage in November last year.

Engineer Sidai, representing KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto at the ceremony, highlighted the increase in passenger numbers, attributing it to strategic developments aimed at positioning Kenya as a premier cruise destination.

In a speech delivered by Engineer Sidai, Captain Ruto noted the steady rise in cruise passenger arrivals at both Mombasa and Lamu ports. He attributed this growth to ongoing infrastructural development efforts designed to transform these ports into modern cruise terminals.

“Our strategy is to create state-of-the-art facilities that not only enhance passenger experiences but also position Kenya as a top cruise destination,” Captain Ruto stated, crediting the Kenya Ports Authority’s collaboration with government agencies as crucial to promoting coastal tourism.

He praised the growing partnership between the Port of Mombasa and cruise shipping agents Nisomar, along with cruise line Swan Hellenic, for their role in boosting Kenya’s cruise tourism sector.

A cruise ship arriving in Mombasa Port. (Farhiya Hussein)

At the event, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy celebrated the arrival of Lamu’s second cruise ship, describing it as a milestone towards establishing Lamu as a premier cruise destination in the region.

Governor Issa emphasised the County Government’s commitment to ensuring security in the area to support tourism’s growth, expressing enthusiasm for the potential of cruise tourism along Kenya’s coastline.

The MV SH Diana, operated by Swan Hellenic and Nisomar Shipping Lines, anchored in Lamu at 6am, piloted by KPA’s Capt. Abdulaziz Mzee. Launched in 2023, the vessel is 124 metres in length with a draft of 5.7 metres and offers state-of-the-art hospitality amenities designed for a premier cruise experience.

For the coastal counties, this influx of cruise tourists has brought significant economic benefits. Visitors contribute to various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail, as they spend on local excursions, dining, and shopping.

“The tourism boom has been a lifeline for many of us. These tourists bring business to our doors, allowing us to share our crafts and culture with the world,” said Hadiya Bakari, a shop owner in Lamu’s Old Town.

The luxury expedition cruise vessel MV SH Diana docked at the Port of Mombasa on Saturday morning after a delightful visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lamu, carrying 127 passengers and 125 crew members.

MV SH Diana received 184 passengers at the Port of Mombasa before departing for an adventurous sea voyage to the Seychelles, Maputo in Mozambique, and other European ports.

Captain Ali Abdille, KPA Harbour Master and General Manager of Marine Operations, representing Captain Ruto, warmly received the ship at the Port of Mombasa. The vessel’s second visit underscores effective efforts to revitalise the cruise tourism sector in the region.

The welcoming ceremony of the cruise ship brought together tourism industry players, representatives from the County Government of Mombasa, and various government agencies in the tourism sector. Mombasa, too, has seen impressive arrivals. In January, the luxury liner Norwegian Dawn arrived with 2,300 passengers and 1,100 crew members.

Residents welcome tourists in Mombasa. (Farhiya Hussein)

Sailing in from the Seychelles, the ship’s arrival was a vibrant event, drawing passengers from 54 nationalities to experience Kenya’s beaches and iconic national parks. In the following months, vessels such as MS Ambience and MV World Odyssey brought in thousands more, as tourists explored Mombasa’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Reflecting on this trend, Captain Ruto confirmed that Mombasa is equipped to handle up to 140,000 cruise passengers per year.

“We are witnessing a resurgence in cruise tourism, which will have lasting benefits for local communities,” he noted.

He added that the new cruise terminal has become a magnet for operators seeking destinations beyond traditional routes.

The impact on the workforce is notable, with KPA announcing that MSC Cruises alone employs over 2,500 Kenyans on ships worldwide.

This increase in cruise traffic has also benefited Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Last December, Governor Issa welcomed visitors aboard the MV Bollete, expressing optimism about the sector’s growth.

Tourists docking at Lamu have the chance to explore the ancient Swahili settlement, which has captivated travellers for centuries.