Kisumu Port is fast solidifying its status as a critical transit hub for cargo movement across Lake Victoria, reshaping the regional trade landscape through increased connectivity and efficiency.
Over the weekend, MV Orion II docked at the port to load 600 metric tons of ceramic tiles bound for Port Bell in Uganda, highlighting the port’s growing role in regional exports.
The port has seen a remarkable surge in both vessel traffic and cargo volumes. In 2024 alone, it has handled 109,839 metric tons of cargo and recorded 67 vessel calls—underscoring its rising economic significance. This builds on a strong performance in 2023, when Kisumu Port managed 280,381 metric tons of cargo, more than double the 116,578 metric tons recorded the previous year.
Exports from Kisumu are on the rise, with gas oil accounting for 58% of outgoing cargo, followed by ceramic tiles (23%), construction materials and steel billets (13%), and bagged fertilizers (6%). These shipments regularly head to key destinations such as Port Bell and Jinja in Uganda, and Mwanza in Tanzania.
The number of vessels operating through the port has grown to seven, including Orion III, Uhuru II, MT Elgon, MT Kabaka Mutebi III, MV Munanka, Mango Tree, and MV Noris. MV Orion II, known for transporting ceramics, now calls at the port biweekly.
The port’s impressive growth is driven by a combination of factors: modernization initiatives, berth upgrades, and the revitalization of the Kisumu-Nairobi metre-gauge railway (MGR) link, all contributing to enhanced operational capacity.
Further expansion is underway, with ongoing infrastructure projects including new storage facilities, a passenger terminal, and modern cargo handling equipment. These developments aim to future-proof the port and support increased demand.
According to Patrick Makau, Kisumu Port’s Manager of Cargo Services Operations, the facility is poised for even greater efficiency and safety. He emphasized a continued focus on modernization, regional integration, and the adoption of smart port technologies.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
