Kenya: Kisumu Port remains a critical economic lifeline for communities along the shores of Lake Victoria. In recent years, the facility has undergone significant transformation, which is reflected in heightened operational activity and improved performance indicators that underscore the region’s commercial resurgence.
The latest statistics released by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), records substantial growth in cargo throughput in 2025. The facility handled 496,516 metric tons of cargo, up from 295,516 metric tons in 2024, marking a 55.0% increase. This represents an additional 163,085 metric tons of cargo processed through the inland lake port, highlighting its expanding role in regional trade and logistics.
According to Kisumu Port Cargo Services Manager – Patrick Makau, the turnaround is proof that the lake region is reclaiming its place as a strategic transport and trade corridor and preferred gateway to the regional cargo.
Makau said, “We are only beginning to unlock Kisumu’s full potential. With sustained investment and stronger partnerships across the sector, this port will redefine lake trade. The surge in exports to the neighbouring countries is clear proof that Kisumu is rising again.”
However, on the ground, the future is already taking shape. KPA is betting big on the lake’s potential, with a series of investments designed to modernise the experience. While exports to neighbouring countries have surged.
KPA sees significant opportunity in increasing import volumes to balance trade along the corridor. To strengthen regional trade links, a KPA delegation recently visited Port Bell and Jinja in Uganda, as well as Bukoba and Mwanza in Tanzania, to explore deeper collaboration with port authorities and ship owners.
Beyond cargo, the port is on the verge of reintroducing passenger water transport across the lake between towns, as plans are underway to construct a dedicated passenger terminal.
This development is part of KPA’s broader vision for the region, with upgrades progressing in smaller lake ports like Homabay, where the first phase is now complete, and others at Sio Port, Asembo Bay, Mbita, and Luanda K’otieno already planned. These are the nodes that will connect the lakeside communities, providing efficient and reliable water transport.
The transformation is equally profound on the cargo front. Currently in the yard, works have already commenced with the laying of tracks for a meter-gauge rail line that will connect directly to the railway network, allowing wagons to be shunted seamlessly onto the linkspan.
Plans are also in motion to extend the quay by an additional 130 meters, adding significant capacity to the existing 262-meter quayside. This will allow Kisumu to berth additional vessels in line with the growing demand. Makau projects that the port will track to handle an impressive 700,000 metric tons this year with a clear path to exceed the one million metric tons of total cargo throughput shortly after.