The Port of Kisumu is quickly becoming a key transit hub for cargo transportation across Victoria, Africa’s largest Lake and multinational water body.
Just as the harbor is awaiting the docking of the largest ship on the Lake, MV Mwanza from Tanzania which sails in June 2025, recently Kisumu received MV Orion II which docked at the port to load 600 metric tons of ceramics destined for export to Port Bell, Uganda.
Meanwhile, the port continues to register a remarkable increase in ship traffic and cargo volumes, marking a significant shift in the regional trade landscape and connectivity.
In 2024 the Kisumu port handled an impressive 280,381 Metric Tons of cargo, a striking improvement from the 116,578 Metric tons registered in 2023.
So far within the first five months of 2025, the port has processed 109,839 Metric tons, with 67 vessel calls recorded, further highlighting the growing economic importance of Kisumu port in the region.
Exports are now on the rise, with gas oil accounting for 58 percent, followed by ceramic tiles at 23 percent, construction materials and steel billets at 13 percent, and bagged fertilizers making up 6 percent.
These goods are regularly shipped to destinations, including Jinja and Port Bell in Uganda, as well as Mwanza and Bukoba in Tanzania.
The number of vessels visiting the port has increased to seven, including Orion III, Uhuru II, MT Elgon, MT Kabaka Mutebi III, MV Munanka, Mango Tree, and MV Noris.
Notably, MV Orion II, famous for handling ceramic, 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, berths upgrading and the Kisumu to Nairobi Medium Gauge railway links, all aimed at boosting operational efficiency and streamlining cargo movement.
With ongoing infrastructure projects, including construction of the storage facilities, a passenger terminal, and modern cargo handling equipment, are set to increase Kisumu Port’s capacity for future growth.
According to Kisumu port Manager Cargo Services Operations Patrick Makau, the port anticipates more improvements in safety and efficiency while focusing on modernization, better regional transport integration, and embracing smart port technologies.