Cruise Ships Set for Kisumu Port

The once-dormant Kisumu Port on the shores of Lake Victoria is set to experience a renaissance, thanks to the visionary Kisumu Port Resilient Infrastructure Project spearheaded by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

This ambitious initiative aims to transform the port into a vibrant hub for both passenger and freight activities, enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth in the East African region. At the heart of this endeavour lies a state-of-the-art passenger terminal designed to optimize passenger flow and cater to the needs of local and international travellers alike. With a capacity to handle over 500 passengers at the dock and up to 1,000 passengers at the ferry terminal per hour, the terminal will offer a range of amenities, including restaurants, forex bureaus, and offices for taxi and tour operators within its premises.

Ensuring passenger safety and security is a top priority, with the integration of surveillance cameras, a Port Security Office, Border Patrol Unit, Kenya Coast Guard Service, and Immigration Offices. An access road linking Kisumu's Central Business District (CBD) to the western region en route to Uganda will facilitate smooth travel, while a jetty for vessels plying Lake Victoria locally and internationally will enhance maritime connectivity. Additionally, a modern cargo warehouse will complement the passenger terminal, ensuring comprehensive support for both passenger and freight activities.

The KPA's collaboration with TradeMark Africa has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Construction is already underway at the Homa Bay pier and other landing sites across the lake region are also undergoing refurbishment to support this development. Reviving the Kisumu Port holds historical significance, as it once served as a vital link between rail and lake steamers, allowing passengers to disembark at the Railway Station and catch a steamship to destinations like Asembo Bay, Kendu Bay, and Homa Bay. The recently launched vessel MV Uhuru II by President Dr William Ruto will enhance the capacity to ferry petroleum products through the lake, further bolstering the port's operations.

Strategic investments in road infrastructure, including the port's linkage to the port of Mombasa via excellent road infrastructure, and the revamped Nakuru-Kisumu Meter Gauge Railway line (MGR), ensure efficient transportation and connectivity. Moreover, the development of an early warning system to issue alerts on water hyacinth manifestation will ensure smooth operations on the lake. Since the KPA took over operations in 2017, cargo handling at the port has witnessed a remarkable increase, from 3,000 tonnes in 2017 to an impressive 127,000 tonnes in 2023. With the completion of the passenger terminal, cruise ships will soon be able to dock on the shores of Lake Victoria, facilitating the transport of local and international guests, including VIPs.