Inside KPA's push for Mombasa, Lamu as key cruise tourism hubs

Cruise ship MV Nautica sails into the Port of Mombasa. [File, Standard]

Kenya is seeking a stronger foothold in the fast-growing cruise industry, with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) now eyeing Lamu Port as a cruise port of call alongside Mombasa, which already has a dedicated cruise terminal.

As the global maritime community gathered at the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Miami, United States, discussions centred on the future of cruising, with emphasis on sustainability, resilience and strategic collaboration rather than scale alone.

This reflects a necessary shift for an industry long driven by expansion but now facing growing pressure to balance growth with environmental responsibility and changing consumer expectations.

Pierfrancesco Vago of MSC Group, the world’s largest family-owned cruise company, highlighted this transformation, stressing the need to balance rapid growth with environmental stewardship. This, he said, is not corporate rhetoric but an operational imperative.

Andrew Mwangura, former Secretary General of the Seafarers Union of Kenya, said the cruise industry faces increasing scrutiny to align growth with global climate goals and sustainable tourism frameworks.

Yet, while global discussions continue, Kenya is positioning itself within the evolving market. Developments at the ports of Mombasa, Shimoni and Lamu suggest not just recovery, but an emerging renaissance in cruise tourism.

The rise in cruise ship arrivals reflects deliberate policy choices, targeted marketing and growing recognition of East Africa as an untapped destination rich in culture and natural beauty.

Mwangura said KPA’s renewed focus on cruise infrastructure, passenger experience and international partnerships signals a strategic move from cargo-dominated operations towards a more diversified port economy. “For decades, Kenya’s maritime discourse has been anchored on container throughput and bulk cargo, often overlooking the high-value opportunities that cruise tourism presents,” he said.

Kenya’s delegation to Seatrade, including senior  KPA officials, is actively engaging global stakeholders to position the country as a competitive cruise destination and secure long-term partnerships. Cruise tourism, however, goes beyond ship calls. Each vessel represents a floating economy of thousands of passengers seeking authentic experiences, cuisine and cultural immersion, with wide benefits for tour operators, transport providers and coastal businesses.

Despite optimism, stakeholders caution that the global cruise industry is highly competitive, with ports now treated as products requiring investment in infrastructure, digital systems and environmental compliance. “Engagement with global partners must translate into tangible outcomes such as long-term berthing agreements and inclusion in global itineraries. Networking alone does not build an industry; execution does,” Mwangura said.

He added that sustainability discussions in Miami must be reflected in Kenyan ports, warning that poorly managed cruise tourism could strain ecosystems and infrastructure.

Kenya, however, has an opportunity to adopt sustainable cruise tourism from the outset, prioritising environmental protection, community inclusion and cultural preservation.

This will require coordinated action among maritime authorities, tourism bodies, county governments and environmental agencies, alongside investment in shore power, waste management and passenger flow systems.

Mwangura also stressed the importance of human capital. “The success of any cruise destination depends on people-to-people interaction,” he said, calling for expanded training for tour guides, hospitality staff and port workers.

“Cruise tourism offers an opportunity to tell a different African story, one of vibrant coastal cities, Swahili heritage and rich marine ecosystems. This narrative must be consistently communicated globally,” he added.