KPA reports surge in ship traffic at Kisumu Port
So far this year, Kisumu Port has handled 109,381 metric tonnes of cargo.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has reported a notable surge in maritime activity at the Kisumu Port, with a corresponding rise in cargo volumes transported across Lake Victoria.
This development signals a transformative change in regional trade dynamics and cross-border connectivity.
So far this year, Kisumu Port has handled 109,381 metric tonnes of cargo, with 67 vessels navigating through its waters, according to KPA.
KPA says in 2024, the port handled an impressive 280,381MT of cargo, a striking improvement from the 116,578 MT registered in 2023.
Over the weekend, MV Orion II made a stop at the port to load 600 metric tons of ceramic products bound for export to Port Bell in Uganda.
Recent figures from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) indicate a steady rise in export volumes.
Gas oil leads the pack, comprising 58% of outbound cargo, followed by ceramic tiles at 23%, construction materials and steel at 13%, and bagged fertilizers at 6%.
Most of these shipments are destined for key East African ports such as Jinja and Port Bell in Uganda, as well as Mwanza in Tanzania.
Port activity has also picked up, with seven vessels currently in operation.
These include Orion III, Uhuru II, MT Elgon, MT Kabaka Mutebi III, MV Munanka, Mango Tree, and MV Noris.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) highlights that current infrastructure developments—such as the construction of storage facilities, a passenger terminal, and the installation of advanced cargo handling equipment—are set to boost Kisumu Port’s capacity and position it for sustained future expansion.