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By Diana Wanyonyi
Mombasa, Kenya:The Kenyan coast’s tourism sector is experiencing a boom, marked by a growing influx of international tourists arriving via the port of Mombasa.
Since the beginning of 2025, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has welcomed seven international cruise ships on their maiden visits to Mombasa harbor, bringing over five thousand foreign tourists to the city this year.
The majestic MV SH Diana, flying the Panamanian flag, gracefully docked in the bustling port of Mombasa on Wednesday. This marked the culmination of an enriching five-day voyage along Kenya’s picturesque coastline.
Prior to its arrival in Mombasa, the luxurious vessel made captivating stopovers in the historic island of Lamu and the serene fishing village of Shimoni, allowing its passengers to immerse themselves in the diverse beauty and culture of the region.
The MV SH Diana, one of Swan Hellenic’s largest and most advanced ships at 125 meters long, embarks with 120 eager tourists ready to explore Mombasa, supported by a dedicated crew of 129, ensuring an unforgettable journey for everyone.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, cruise tourism has improved, “In 2020 we experienced low cruise passengers as we recorded 646, and in 2024 we received 6,577 and this year we have already received more than 5,000 cruise ship passengers and we have not reached the peak period.”
He applauded the milestone docking of the vessel, saying that this will be the first time for the cruise ship to spend four days in Kenya. “This ship first spent a day in Shimoni, and Shimoni is one of the destinations that we have not ventured into and we want to encourage the cruise liner to consider Shimoni to be part of the circuit for Kenya.”
Expedition Manager Dain Adamson, expressed his delight for the ship to sail back in Kenya, “The wonderful thing for Kenya is that they come back every year, this is the third year they have already scheduled to visit next year. We are very proud and it’s great for Kenya” said Adamson.
Kenya Tourism Board -KTB acting CEO Allan Njoroge has said that the coming of MV SH Diana is the beginning of the cruise season this year. “Cruise tourism is one of the ways by which we are diversifying our tourism product by showcasing what Kenya has to offer over and above our traditional products which are beach and safari.”
KPA General Manager of Corporate services Edward Kamau applauded the move of KPA and other stakeholders in ensuring more cruise ships dock in coastal Kenya bringing international tourists to Mombasa so as to boost tourism in alignment with the government directives.
He urged the county government of Mombasa through the tourism sector to market untapped historical sites that will attract tourists.
“We urge the county government through their tourism department to ensure they market properly the areas which they give the tourists opportunity for these tourists to visit not only to receive but to make sure they promote so that next time when the vessel calls they know where to go.”
He also appreciated the good working relationship between Port management and the board in ensuring smooth running of the port harbor, a move that has enabled efficiency and boost to business.
