Cargo volume grows at Kisumu port on infrastructure upgrade

Kisumu Port is rapidly solidifying its place in East Africa's transport and logistics chain, following a significant increase in cargo throughput and vessel traffic.

A recent report by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) reveals that the revitalised port handled 280,381 metric tons (MT) of cargo in 2024, more than double the 116,578 MT recorded in 2023.

The growth trajectory has continued into 2025, with 109,839 MT processed in the first quarter alone, underscoring rising regional demand and sustained momentum.

Maritime activity has also intensified, with 67 ships docking at the port since the start of the year.

Seven key vessels Orion III, Uhuru II, MT Elgon, MT Kabaka Mutebi III, MV Munanka, Mango Tree, and MV Noris—now serve Kisumu on a regular basis, reinforcing its reliability as a logistics hub.

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Fuel exports remain the dominant cargo category, making up 58 percent of outbound shipments.

Other significant exports include ceramic tiles (23 percent), construction materials and steel billets (13 percent), and bagged fertilizers (6 percent).

The goods are transported to Port Bell and Jinja in Uganda, and Mwanza in Tanzania.

Highlighting the port's expanding operations, the MV Orion II recently docked to load 600 MT of ceramic tiles destined for Port Bell.

The vessel, which handles ceramic exports, now calls at Kisumu every fortnight signaling a dependable and consistent shipping schedule.

KPA Managing Director William Ruto, credited the upsurge in activity to sustained investment in infrastructure and operational upgrades at the port.

"We are witnessing increased cargo movement, more frequent vessel calls, and greater efficiency all thanks to the continuous improvements being made to the port’s facilities," he said.

Kisumu Port’s Cargo Services Operations Manager Patrick Makau announced plans for further enhancements, including boosting safety standards, accelerating modernisation efforts, improving regional transport connectivity, and adopting smart port technologies.

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Kisumu Port is part of a broader network of inland waterway ports, which includes Port Bell and Jinja in Uganda, and Mwanza, Bukoba, and Musoma in Tanzania.

Among these, Kisumu, Mwanza, and Port Bell stand out as the most active in terms of cargo throughput.