RBAN DEVELOPMENT
Mombasa
Mombasa is a port in Kenya located on the coast along the Indian Ocean and situated on Mombasa Island. It is a very busy port throughout the year handling both imports and exports for Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as Kenya. The major imports are petroleum, machinery, textiles and foodstuffs. The petroleum is refined near the harbour at Mombasa port.
Factors responsible for the growth of Mombasa port
- It has a large hinterland, made up to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Southern Sudan, and that provides the market for the port services. All these countries apart from DRC are landlocked. A landlocked country is one which has not coastline giving direct access to the sea. The Democratic Republic of Congo has some coast, but very little.
- Political stability in Kenya: Kenya has been politically stable for many years, hence ensuring security for the goods handled. This is a crucial factor, because without security the transporters cannot operate properly.
- There is a sunny climate, keeping the temperature warm throughout the year; therefore the port is able to operate at all times during the year.
- The presence of coral reefs means there is a good raw material for the cement use is construction. This has made it relatively cheaper to construct the various facilities necessary for handling goods, such as piers.
- Mombasa has a good transport network within the port and town, so ensuring easy transportation of goods from the port to their different destinations.
- Mombasa has a sheltered harbour which allows ships to anchor safely without being vulnerable to storms.
Similarities between Mombasa and New York
- Both are sited on Islands.
- Both have ice free conditions all the year.
- Both have sheltered harbours
- Both were founded by foreigners
- Both have large hinterlands.
- Both have industries near the harbour.
Differences between Mombasa and New York
| New York | Mombasa |
| Situated in the Northern hemisphere | Situated in the Southern hemisphere |
| Has a temperate climate | Has tropical climate |
| Experiences fog | Experiences mist |
| Free from coral reefs | Has coral reefs in the harbour |
