Kisumu Port has recorded remarkable growth in cargo throughput, more than doubling its performance from the previous year. According to the latest report by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the revitalized facility handled 280,381 metric tons (MT) of cargo in 2024, up from 116,578 MT in 2023 a 140% increase.
The upward momentum has extended into 2025, with 109,839 MT processed in the first quarter alone, underscoring the port’s rising significance as a regional logistics hub. Ship traffic has also surged, with 67 vessels docking so far this year.
Seven major ships Orion III, Uhuru II, MT Elgon, MT Kabaka Mutebi III, MV Munanka, Mango Tree, and MV Noris now ply regular routes through Kisumu, enhancing consistency and connectivity across the Lake Victoria basin. Fuel exports continue to dominate outbound trade, accounting for 58% of shipments. Other key exports include ceramic tiles (23%), construction materials and steel billets (13%), and bagged fertilizers (6%). These are mainly destined for Jinja and Port Bell in Uganda and Mwanza in Tanzania.
Highlighting this growing trade, MV Orion II docked over the weekend to load 600 MT of ceramic tiles for export to Port Bell. The vessel, known for its ceramic consignments, now makes biweekly calls to the port, showcasing Kisumu’s reliability in regional shipping.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto attributed the surge in activity to sustained investments in infrastructure and operations. These include berth upgrades, enhanced cargo handling equipment, new storage facilities, and improved rail connectivity through the Kisumu-Nairobi meter-gauge railway.
“The future of Kisumu Port lies in smart technologies, efficient logistics, and deeper regional integration,” Ruto stated. “We are building a facility that meets the current and future demands of trade across Lake Victoria.”
Kisumu Port Manager for Cargo Services Operations Patrick Makau emphasized the ongoing focus on modernization, regional integration, and smart port technologies to boost safety and efficiency.
Kisumu is one of Lake Victoria’s key ports alongside Port Bell and Mwanza, cementing its position as a crucial player in East Africa’s lake transport network.
