KPA says Kisumu port recording increase in ship traffic

The increase marks a significant shift in the regional trade landscape and connectivity.

According to KPA, Kisumu port has this year processed 109,381 metric tones of cargo with 67 vessels recorded in the channel. 

KPA says in 2024, the port handled an impressive 280,381MT of cargo, a striking improvement from the 116,578 MT registered in 2023.

KPA says the Port of Kisumu is quickly becoming a key transit hub for cargo transportation across Lake Victoria further highlighting its growing economic importance.

Over the weekend, MV Orion II docked at the port to load 600 metric tons of ceramics destined for export to Port Bell, Uganda.

According to data from KPA, exports are now on the rise, with gas oil accounting for 58%, followed by ceramic tiles at 23%, construction materials and steel at 13%, and bagged fertilizers making up 6% all of which are mostly shipped to destinations, including Jinja and Port Bell in Uganda, as well as Mwanza in Tanzania.

The number of vessels visiting the port has also increased to seven, including Orion III, Uhuru II, MT Elgon, MT Kabaka Mutebi III, MV Munanka, Mango Tree, and MV Noris.

KPA notes that the ongoing infrastructure projects, including construction of the storage facilities, a passenger terminal, and modern cargo handling equipment will increase Kisumu Port's capacity for future growth.