Published: March 6, 2026 | Courtesy: Kenya Ports Authority (KPA)
KISUMU – For the communities along the shores of Lake Victoria, the Kisumu Port has always been more than a facility—it is a lifeline. Over the last few years, the transformation has been visible in the daily bustle of activity and, most tellingly, in numbers that reflect a region rediscovering its commercial heartbeat.
The latest Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) performance statistics tell a story of remarkable acceleration, positioning Kisumu as a rising star in regional trade and logistics.
📊 Record-Breaking Cargo Performance
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Handled | 295,516 metric tons | 496,516 metric tons | +55.0% |
| Additional Volume | – | 163,085 metric tons | – |
This dramatic leap represents a 55.0 percent growth in a single year, injecting over 163,000 metric tons of goods moving through this vital lake gateway.
📢 Port Leadership Speaks
“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
According to Mr. Makau, the turnaround is proof that the lake region is reclaiming its place as a strategic transport and trade corridor and preferred gateway for regional cargo.
🚢 Infrastructure Transformation Underway
🔧 Current Developments
| Project | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 🛤️ Meter-Gauge Rail Connection | Tracks being laid to connect directly to railway network | Works commenced |
| ⚓ Quay Extension | Additional 130 meters to existing 262-meter quayside | Planned |
| 🚢 Vessel Capacity | Ability to berth additional vessels | Upon completion |
🏗️ Planned Developments
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚢 Passenger Terminal | Dedicated facility for lake transport passengers |
| 🚤 Regional Port Upgrades | Homabay (Phase 1 complete), Sio Port, Asembo Bay, Mbita, Luanda K’otieno |
🌍 Strengthening Regional Trade Links
KPA is actively pursuing deeper regional integration:
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇬 Visit to Port Bell & Jinja (Uganda) | Explore collaboration with port authorities and ship owners |
| 🇹🇿 Visit to Bukoba & Mwanza (Tanzania) | Strengthen trade partnerships across Lake Victoria |
While exports to neighbouring countries have surged, KPA sees significant opportunity in increasing import volumes to balance trade along the corridor.
🚤 Passenger Water Transport Set to Return
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 lakeside connectivity.
This development is part of KPA’s broader vision for the region, with upgrades progressing in smaller lake ports:
| Port | Status |
|---|---|
| Homabay | ✅ Phase 1 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.
📈 Future Projections
| Year | Projected Throughput |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 700,000 metric tons (tracking) |
| Near Future | Exceed 1 million metric tons |
“Mr. Makau projects that the port will track to handle an impressive 700,000 metric tons this year with a clear path to exceed the one million metric tons of total cargo throughput shortly after.”
🏗️ What’s Coming
| Timeline | Development |
|---|---|
| Ongoing | Rail connection works |
| Planned | 130m quay extension |
| Planned | Passenger terminal construction |
| Ongoing | Regional port upgrades |
🚗 Connecting Kisumu Port to the Region
As the port transforms into a bustling hub of trade and transport, reliable ground connectivity becomes increasingly vital. Afrivibe Rentals provides seamless connections between Kisumu Port, the city, and destinations across Western Kenya.
We offer:
🚕 Cab services across Kisumu City
✈️ Airport transfers at Kisumu International Airport
🚗 Car hire with experienced chauffeurs
📦 Business transport for cargo and trade professionals
📍 Point-to-point travel for port visitors and workers
👉 Book Your Ride via WhatsApp
📞 Call/SMS: 0710899460
🌐 www.kisumuairportcabs.co.ke