Kisumu Port has recorded a sharp rise in cargo volumes and vessel activity, cementing its position as a key player in East Africa’s transport and logistics network.

According to the latest data by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the revamped port handled 280,381 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in 2024, which more than double of the 116,578 metric tonnes it recorded the previous year.

KPA says the momentum has carried into 2025 with the port already processing 109,839 metric tonnes in the first quarter of 2025, signalling robust growth driven by growing regional demand. The port has also seen a notable increase in ship traffic, with 67 vessels docking so far this year.

Seven major ships, which include Orion III, Uhuru II, MT Elgon, MT Kabaka Mutebi III, MV Munanka, Mango Tree and MV Noris now operate regular routes through Kisumu.

Fuel exports continue to dominate outbound trade, accounting for 58 per cent of shipments, followed by ceramic tiles (23 per cent), construction materials and steel billets (13 per cent) and bagged fertilisers (6 per cent).  These commodities are shipped to strategic regional destinations such as Jinja and Port Bell in Uganda, and Mwanza in Tanzania.

Highlighting the port’s expanded export operations, MV Orion II made a call over the weekend to load 600 tonnes of ceramic tiles for export to Port Bell. The vessel, which has become known for handling ceramics, now stops at the port every two weeks, reflecting the consistency and reliability of Kisumu’s shipping schedule.

KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the surge in throughput was a clear testament to the port’s rising role as a regional logistics hub. Ruto attributed the rapid growth to continued investment in infrastructure and operations at the facility which has improved turnaround time for clearance of goods.

“We are seeing more cargo, more ships and greater efficiency thanks to continued investment in the infrastructure and operations,” he said.

Ruto credited the port’s growth to modernisation including the upgrade of berths, improved cargo handling facilities and enhanced connectivity through the Kisumu-Nairobi metre-gauge railway line. He also cited ongoing projects such as the construction of new storage facilities, a modern passenger terminal and the introduction of advanced cargo handling equipment.

“The future of Kisumu Port lies in smart technologies, efficient logistics and deeper regional integration. We are building a facility that meets both current and future demands of trade across Lake Victoria,” he said.

Kisumu Port Manager in charge of Cargo Services Operations Patrick Makau said the port anticipates more improvements in safety and efficiency while focusing on modernization, better regional transport integration and embracing smart port technologies.

The Port of Kisumu is one of the ports on Lake Victoria that offer organised shipping services on Lake Victoria.

The other ports are: Port Bell and Jinja in Uganda; and Mwanza, Bukoba and Musoma in Tanzania. Out of these ports, Kisumu, Mwanza and Port Bell are the largest, in terms of throughput.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Chris Mahandara