DNK International By Tobby Otum.
Kenya’s cruise tourism sector is showing strong signs of recovery, with at least six international cruise ships docking at the Port of Mombasa since the beginning of the year, a parliamentary committee has revealed.
Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers, Simon Ng’ang’a, said the growing number of vessels calling at the coastal city signals renewed global confidence in Kenya as a prime tourist destination.
According to Ng’ang’a, manifests shared with the committee indicate that several more luxury cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the Port of Mombasa in the coming months.
“With the expansion of other ports in the region, more vessels are expected to use them, but Mombasa remains a key attraction,” he noted.
He urged the government to further strengthen security measures to enhance Kenya’s appeal to international tourists and position the country as a leading cruise tourism hub in the Indian Ocean region.
Ng’ang’a spoke during the reception of the luxury cruise ship Azamara Journey, which docked at Berth One in Mombasa County.
Also speaking at the event, Hashmin Ahmed, General Manager of Sturrock Shipping Kenya and the ship’s local agent, challenged the government to elevate Mombasa into a primary “port of call” hub for cruise ships in the region.
He emphasized that such a move would allow vessels not only to dock but also to embark and disembark passengers, significantly boosting tourism revenue and creating employment opportunities.
“The country stands to gain immensely if Mombasa becomes a key entry and exit point for cruise liners within the region,” Ahmed said.
He also commended the government for investing in a modern cruise ship terminal at the port, describing it as a critical step toward positioning Kenya competitively in global cruise tourism.
The Azamara Journey, carrying 630 passengers from various countries and 383 crew members, arrived in Mombasa after a two-day voyage from Victoria.
The vessel is en route to Zanzibar and has four Kenyans among its crew.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Committee member Zamzam Mohammed called for sustained peace and stability, noting that a secure environment is key to attracting more cruise ships to Kenya’s shores.
She emphasized that continued collaboration between government agencies and the private sector will be vital in unlocking the full potential of cruise tourism along the Indian Ocean coastline.
[DNK-International@May 2,2026]
