Kenya’s government initiative to revive a multimodal transport system at Kisumu port is gaining momentum, with Uganda committing to use the port for its oil and loose cargo starting this month. After significant investments in infrastructure, including the refurbishment of the cargo ferry MV Uhuru, Kisumu port is projected to handle increased cargo this year.
The Kisumu port, part of the East African Community (EAC) infrastructure development plan, has the potential to generate $60 billion in trade annually. Currently, it handles only 10% of this volume for the major EAC economies—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. However, the port’s output is growing, with the facility handling 125,503 tonnes in the first half of 2024, a significant increase from the 60,910 tonnes handled during the same period last year.
Port manager Charles Kitur attributed the increase to critical upgrades that have allowed the facility to handle bulk cargo efficiently. These improvements include new equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and marine boats, which have boosted trade with neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Cargo and Vessel Throughput Growth
According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kisumu port managed 125,503 metric tonnes of cargo from January to June 2024, surpassing the 3,431 metric tonnes handled in 2017. The port expects to handle over 200,000 tonnes by the end of 2024. In July 2024 alone, the port processed 34,375 tonnes of exports, including gas oil, steel billets, and bagged fertilizer, while Kenya imported iron sheets.
Vessel activity has also surged, with the number of vessel calls rising from nine in January 2024 to 22 in July. Notably, the Uganda-flagged MT Kabaka Mutebi II has been the most active, completing the most trips among the vessels serving the region.
Uganda's Commitment and Regional Collaboration
A Ugandan delegation led by Minister Akello Beatrice Akori pledged to use Kisumu's oil jetty for petroleum and other cargo transport, signaling closer trade ties between the two countries. Uganda currently accounts for nearly 90% of the products handled at Kisumu jetty, making it a key player in regional logistics.
The port's modernization and increased capacity, including the upcoming MV Uhuru II with its 1,800-metric-tonne capacity, will further boost trade. Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) has also announced plans to upgrade its operations, aiming to facilitate the loading of both trucks and vessels simultaneously to meet the rising demand for fuel in the region.
The development of Kisumu port is part of a broader effort to revitalize maritime transport on Lake Victoria, enhancing integration among EAC countries. Despite some delays on Uganda's side, the collaboration between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania is poised to significantly boost trade and economic growth across East and Central Africa.