The port of Mombasa is a place with quite a rich history. The last time I went there was three years ago. I wanted to visit again and write a fresh topic, but the circumstances have developed, and the quarantine has been delayed, so there is no possibility for a trip yet. But there was more free time for self-isolation and I decided to write now about my impressions. Unfortunately, many photos from that time are lost forever. When I visit again, I will write a fresh topic about Mombasa, in which I will describe the port and city in more detail with fresh photos. In the meantime, let's learn more about the history of the port itself and what role it plays in the life of Kenya.
The history of the port of Mombasa goes back many centuries, starting with the existence of the Old port. The port served dhows from India, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. It is located near Fort Jesus In the old city of Mombasa.
In 1890, Kenya and Uganda became a British protectorate of the British Empire in East Africa. The colonial government found it necessary to create internal infrastructure in order to open the territory for effective administration, and hence the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway (1895-1902).
Combined with increased activity in the port, there was a need for a more spacious and convenient location to meet demand and build a railway network. Therefore, the port of Mombasa was moved to Kilindini harbour to the West of Mombasa island. The development of the current port of Mombasa began in 1896, when the first pier was built in Kilindini, used for unloading materials for the construction of the railway line.
The port of Mombasa is the main gateway to the East African region, serving the vast and rapidly growing interior of the country, consisting of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, southern Sudan, Northern Tanzania, the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Somalia. The port serves more than 250 million people.
There is a direct connection to more than 80 seaports around the world and 33 sea lines, and it plays a vital role in imports and exports. The Kenya ports authority (KPA) provides various port service improvement projects, mainly focused on infrastructure development.
The salaries of port workers are not bad enough by Kenyan standards. Dispatchers and administrative employees receive around $ 500-700 per month. Accordingly, the captains are larger(depending on the rank and distance of the voyage) and other workers are smaller. Some residents seasonally earn extra money in the port, when there are a lot of ships and workers are not enough.
I don't know for sure whether there are special excursions to the port or not. In General, photography is prohibited in many places. Our friend who works at the port invited us and gave us a tour. Three large cargo ships had just arrived that day, and a lot of containers were being unloaded.
By the way, metal containers then disperse throughout Kenya. They are converted into offices, boutiques, small cafes and much more.
Even create entire shopping centers or homes out of these containers. The cost of such a container is from $ 1000, depending on the size, metal and delivery.
It is not even a bad option for premises for business or even for housing. It is much cheaper than to build premises from high-quality building materials.
Plus a fairly reliable and durable space that can be transported in case of anything. Every year more and more of these containers are delivered to many parts of Kenya.
That day we had a very short, but informative and interesting tour. Now, as more and more familiar containers arrive in THIKA, I immediately remember the port in Mombasa.