The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced a new set of higher tariffs that will take effect from September 15, 2025, sparking protests from transporters and clearing agents who warn the move could drive business to rival ports in the region.

The revised rates, unveiled on Thursday, will replace the 2012 charges for marine services, ship dues, stevedoring, shore handling, wharfage, storage, and general services.

They follow consultations with stakeholders in Kenya and neighbouring East African countries that rely on Mombasa Port.

The new tariff schedule was approved by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. However, strong opposition from key players in the transport and logistics industry signals a looming standoff over its implementation.

“It is notified for general information that the board of directors, in pursuance of the powers of Section 30 of the Kenya Ports Authority Act, CAP 391, 1978, has prepared and published this tariff as approved by the minister.

These charges shall apply equally to all port users, including and not limited to shipping lines/agents, cargo agents, charterers, brokers, freight forwarders, consolidators, shippers, or consignees,” read KPA’s notice.

Transporters and clearing and forwarding agents have sharply criticised the increment, with the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) chairman Newton Wang’oo saying the changes are unjustifiable.

“We were shocked to see port pass charges from Sh3,000 to Sh15,000 in the new charges. The increment will not only affect Kenyan trucks but also other East African transporters who have other options for taking their trucks. We have Dar es Salaam right on our doorstep, and it can be another option,” said Wang’oo.

Clearing and forwarding agents have also protested the introduction of an annual $300 operations licence fee, saying it comes at a time when their businesses are already reeling from regional restrictions.

Former Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (Kifwa) chairman Roy Mwanthi said KPA has no legal mandate to impose such a fee.

“This is the first time KPA is bringing in the charges, which only apply to Kenyan ports. Agents pay $300 to KRA for licensing, which regulates them, hence the new fee is illegal,” said Mwanthi.

Mombasa-based agent Leonard Njiru said the move will worsen an already difficult business environment for clearing and forwarding firms, especially after Tanzania recently barred them from operating at its ports.

“We have lost business in Dar es Salaam and now the Kenyan government has introduced charges which will ultimately affect our operations,” said Njiru.