The first passenger cruise ship of 2019 docked at the Port of Mombasa’s new world class cruise ship terminal today, Sunday 3rd November 2019.
She (Ms Albatros cruise ship) has 400 tourists on board and 300 crew members.
The tourists will then proceed to excursions in Maasai Mara Tsavo National Part, Simba hills and Mombasa city.
The terminal was constructed with contributions from Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Finish Embassy in Kenya, which contributed funding through TradeMark East Africa (TMEA).
The terminal is currently 96.5% complete; with practical handover expected to take place in the next two weeks.
The completion comes in time for the cruise season during the festive period. TMEA and KPA agreed to upgrade the old passenger terminal, which was first constructed in the 1920’s; and was initially designed for storage of conventional cargo.
It was later converted as a cruise terminal in 1960s. The key driver of the intervention was a need to provide safety for passengers and a modern facility that’s in line with the changing shipping technology; that’s now dominated by mega ships with high carrying capacity and depths.
This would therefore, position Kenya as a passenger destination via sea, and support its agenda to increase tourism. Port of Mombasa is one of the busiest Ports along the East African coastline.
The fact that it provides direct connectivity to over 80 Ports worldwide makes the terminal an economic logic and critical node in increasing tourism in the region.
Additionally, and obviously, the old terminal misrepresented Kenya’s tourism beauty; having been constructed with piled foundation, reinforced concrete beams and columns, hybrid of timber and steel truss and asbestos roofing sheets that had started deteriorating due to age, exposure to weather and general wear and tear.
The new terminal stands elegant; with modern high roofed structures whose primary source of energy is solar. Modern meeting rooms and eateries increase the utility of the terminal. A bio digester that will recycle water for re-use.
The design has factored facilities for differently abled people to include special lifts, escalators, conveyor belts, scanners, air conditioning system and washrooms.
Making his remarks on the completed terminal, KPA Managing Director Dr. Daniel Manduku said; ‘KPA has prioritised cruise ships calling at the Port of Mombasa due to the high impact created in the coast region by arrival of a cruise ship through the Port of Mombasa. KPA has committed it resources to modernise cruise terminal to meet the international standards.
On her part, TMEA-Kenya Country Programme Manager, Ms. Elizabeth Mwangi reiterated the institution’s commitment to support key economic sectors in Kenya.
She said, “Tourism is Kenya’s second-largest source of foreign exchange revenue. It holds great potential to create jobs and reduce poverty. In this regard, TMEA-Kenya has marked tourism as a key intervention area. Specifically, in Mombasa, TMEA will roll out an export capability programme on tourism to increase revenues and amplify impact on local economy.”
Tourists received a kingly welcome; which is expected to be the norm for subsequent arrivals.
The various port service providers have held multiple planning meetings to rehearse smooth clearance procedures, including port health, customs and immigration.
Creating employment remains a central theme for the terminal; which is expected to directly create 300 jobs.
And indirectly boost local industries such as the transport sector, hotels, food providers and curio sellers. On sustainability, the ministry of tourism and KPA, Kenya Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism will undertake extensive marketing abroad to raise the terminal’s appeal as an entry point for tourists to the region and Kenya
