Do Public Holidays in Kenya Automatically Extend the Port Storage Free Period Granted by KPA for UK Arrivals?
Public holidays in Kenya do not automatically extend the free storage period granted by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for UK or any other imports arriving at the Port of Mombasa.
However, holidays are still important because they affect how time is counted and how fast cargo can be processed.
1. KPA free storage days are counted continuously
KPA calculates free storage days on a continuous calendar basis, meaning:
- Weekends are included
- Public holidays are included
- No “pause” or extension is given for holidays
So if your cargo has 5 free days, those 5 days keep running regardless of holidays.
2. What this means in practice
For example:
If your cargo arrives and your 5th free day falls on a public holiday:
- The holiday is still counted as Day 5
- The free period still ends on that day
- No extra free day is added
So holidays do not extend storage timelines.
3. Why this still matters for importers
Even though holidays are counted as normal days, they can still indirectly affect cargo clearance because:
- KRA officers may work reduced hours
- Clearing agents may not be fully available
- Banks may delay payment processing
- Inspection scheduling may slow down
This can cause delays that push cargo into paid storage periods.
4. Risk for UK shipments
For UK imports at Mombasa Port:
- Free storage continues running during holidays
- Clearance delays can still accumulate
- Once free days expire, storage and demurrage charges begin immediately
This is especially important for containerized cargo where costs increase daily per container.
5. Key takeaway
- ❌ Public holidays do NOT extend KPA free storage days
- ✔ Holidays are counted as normal calendar days
- ⚠ Delays during holidays can still increase storage costs indirectly
Final Summary
Public holidays in Kenya are included in the normal calculation of KPA free storage time for UK cargo arriving at the Port of Mombasa. They do not extend the free period, but they may indirectly contribute to delays that increase storage and demurrage costs if clearance is not completed on time.
For more information or a detailed explanation, please call or WhatsApp Abdi Haji at +44 7487 554202