Kenya is set to receive a major infrastructure boost after French shipping giant CMA CGM announced a KSh106 billion investment to expand and modernise the Port of Mombasa. The deal was unveiled during the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi in the presence of President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The investment will focus on upgrading two terminals at the Port of Mombasa, improving cargo handling systems, expanding port capacity, and strengthening inland logistics networks connecting Kenya to East and Central Africa.
Officials say the project is expected to enhance Kenya’s position as a regional trade hub by improving efficiency at East Africa’s busiest port. The Port of Mombasa serves several landlocked countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it a key gateway for regional commerce.
The expansion also comes at a time when cargo volumes at the port continue to rise. In 2025, the Port of Mombasa handled a record 45.45 million metric tons of cargo, highlighting growing demand for improved maritime infrastructure.
Beyond the port project, Kenya and France signed multiple agreements covering transport, energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and green development. The partnerships are part of broader efforts by Kenya to diversify international investment and strengthen its infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
Supporters say the investment could create jobs, improve supply chain efficiency, and boost trade across the region. However, some analysts argue that Kenya must carefully balance foreign partnerships to ensure the projects remain beneficial to local economic interests in the long term.
The announcement marks one of the biggest foreign-backed infrastructure commitments in Kenya this year and further positions Mombasa as a strategic maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
The investment will focus on upgrading two terminals at the Port of Mombasa, improving cargo handling systems, expanding port capacity, and strengthening inland logistics networks connecting Kenya to East and Central Africa.
Officials say the project is expected to enhance Kenya’s position as a regional trade hub by improving efficiency at East Africa’s busiest port. The Port of Mombasa serves several landlocked countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it a key gateway for regional commerce.
The expansion also comes at a time when cargo volumes at the port continue to rise. In 2025, the Port of Mombasa handled a record 45.45 million metric tons of cargo, highlighting growing demand for improved maritime infrastructure.
Beyond the port project, Kenya and France signed multiple agreements covering transport, energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and green development. The partnerships are part of broader efforts by Kenya to diversify international investment and strengthen its infrastructure through public-private partnerships.
Supporters say the investment could create jobs, improve supply chain efficiency, and boost trade across the region. However, some analysts argue that Kenya must carefully balance foreign partnerships to ensure the projects remain beneficial to local economic interests in the long term.
The announcement marks one of the biggest foreign-backed infrastructure commitments in Kenya this year and further positions Mombasa as a strategic maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
