Kenya: The Port of Kisumu is quickly becoming a key transit hub for cargo transportation across Lake Victoria. In past weekend, MV Orion II docked at the port to load 600 metric tons of ceramics destined for export to Port Bell, Uganda.
The Port of Kisumu continues to register a remarkable increase in ship traffic and cargo volumes, marking a significant shift in the regional trade landscape and connectivity. However, last year, the port handled an impressive 280,381 MT of cargo, a striking improvement from the 116,578 MT registered in year 2023.
So far, in this year 2025, the port has processed 109, 839 MT with 67 vessel calls recorded, that further highlighted the growing economic importance of Kisumu port in the region.
Notably, exports are on the rise now, wit the gas oil accounting for 58% followed by ceramic tiles at 23%, construction materials and steel billets at 13% and bagged fertilizers making up 6%. These goods are regularly shipped to destinations, including Jinja and Port Bell in Uganda, as well as Mwanza in Tanzania.
The counting of vessels visited the port has increased to seven that includes Orion III, Uhuru II, MT Elgon, MT Kabaka Mutebi III, MV Munanka, Mango Tree and MV Noris.
Moreover, MV Orion II is famous for handling ceramic that makes a stop at the port after every two weeks. The impressive growth of the port can be attributed to several factors ranging from the revitalization and modernization efforts. Also taking in the berths upgrading and the Kisumu or Nairobi MGR line railway links, here all aimed at boosting operational efficiency and streamlining cargo movement.
There are many ongoing infrastructure projects, that includes construction of the storage facilities, a passenger terminal and modern cargo handling equipment, that are set to increase Kisumu Port’s capacity for future growth.
According to the statement released by the Kisumu Port Manager for Cargo Services Operations – Patrick Makau, the port anticipates more improvements in safety and efficiency while focusing on modernization and better regional transport integration while embracing the smart port technologies.