Lake gateway handles nearly 500,000 metric tons in 2025 as regional trade booms
Courtesy of Kenya Ports Authority
Kisumu, Kenya — For the communities along the shores of Lake Victoria, the Kisumu Port has always been more than just a facility; it is a lifeline. Over the last few years, its transformation has become increasingly visible—not only in the daily bustle of activity but, most tellingly, in the numbers that reflect a region rediscovering its commercial heartbeat.
The latest performance statistics from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) tell a compelling story of remarkable acceleration.
📊 Impressive growth numbers
| Year | Cargo handled | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 295,516 metric tons | — |
| 2025 | 496,516 metric tons | +55.0% |
This leap represents an injection of 163,085 metric tons of goods moving through this strategic lake gateway—a clear indicator of rising economic activity in the Lake Victoria region.
🗣️ Official statement
According to Mr. Patrick Makau, Kisumu Port Cargo Services Manager, this turnaround is definitive proof that the lake region is reclaiming its place as a strategic transport and trade corridor, while positioning itself as the preferred gateway for regional cargo.
“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 our neighbouring countries is clear proof that Kisumu is rising again.”
— Mr. Patrick Makau, Kisumu Port Cargo Services Manager
🚧 Major infrastructure upgrades underway
On the ground, the future is already taking shape. KPA is betting big on the lake’s potential, with a series of strategic investments designed to modernize the port experience:
🚆 Rail connectivity
Works have already commenced in the yard with the laying of tracks for a meter-gauge rail line that will connect directly to the national railway network. This will allow wagons to be shunted seamlessly onto the linkspan, enabling efficient cargo transfer between water and rail.
⚓ Quay expansion
Plans are in motion to extend the quay by an additional 130 meters, adding significant capacity to the existing 262-meter quayside. This expansion will allow Kisumu to berth additional vessels in line with growing demand.
🚢 Regional trade partnerships
To strengthen regional trade links, a KPA delegation recently visited:
Port Bell and Jinja (Uganda)
Bukoba and Mwanza (Tanzania)
These visits aimed to explore deeper collaboration with port authorities and ship owners across East Africa.
👥 Passenger transport revival
Beyond cargo, the port is on the verge of reintroducing passenger water transport across the lake between towns. Plans are underway to construct a dedicated passenger terminal, marking a new chapter in lake transport.
This development is part of KPA’s broader vision for the region, with upgrades progressing in smaller lake ports, including:
| Port | Status |
|---|---|
| Homabay | First phase complete |
| Sio Port | Planned |
| Asembo Bay | Planned |
| Mbita | Planned |
| Luanda K’otieno | Planned |
These nodes will connect lakeside communities, providing efficient and reliable water transport for thousands of residents.
🔮 Future projections
Mr. Makau projects that the port is on track to handle an impressive 700,000 metric tons this year, with a clear path to exceed one million metric tons of total cargo throughput shortly after.
From these developments, one thing is clear: Kisumu Port is ready!
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