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Port of Kilindini

KEKIL🇰🇪Kenya

Port Location

About Port of Kilindini

Also known as: Kilindini Harbour, Port Kilindini, Port Kitindini

Kilindini Harbour is Kenya's sole international seaport and East Africa's largest. This deep-water inlet serves as the primary harbor for Mombasa, handling diverse cargo and frequented by cruise ships. Its hinterland extends to Uganda.

Background
Kilindini Harbour is a large, natural deep-water inlet extending inland from Mombasa, Kenya. It is 25–30 fathoms (46–55 m) at its deepest center, although the controlling depth is the outer channel in the port approaches with a dredged depth of 17.5 m (57 ft). It serves as the harbour for Mombasa, with a hinterland extending to Uganda. Kilindini Harbour is the main part of the Port of Mombasa, the only international seaport in Kenya and the biggest port in east Africa. It is managed by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). Apart from cargo handling, Mombasa is frequented by cruise ships.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
14ft
Tidal Range
3ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile
Drydock
L
Repair Code
B

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
47100 →
GeoNames ID
192031 →
Wikidata
Q2270735 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.kpa.co.ke →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
KEKIL
Country
🇰🇪Kenya
Time Zone
UTC+3
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal tide gate
Shelter
Good

Region

Latitude
-4.0667°
Longitude
39.6667°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Kilindini?+
The approach to Kilindini is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Ras Serani Range Rear Lighthouse at 0.7 NM to the ESE. Other aids include Ras Serani Range Beacon (0.9 NM ESE), Ras Serani Range Front (0.9 NM ESE), Likoni (1 NM S), Old Port Entrance Range Rear (1.1 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Kilindini on?+
The Port of Kilindini is situated on the Indian Ocean in KE. The area falls within the equatorial climate zone with warm waters year-round, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Kilindini?+
You can track vessels near Kilindini (KEKIL) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for KEKIL on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Kilindini?+
The Port of Kilindini operates in the UTC+3 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.