This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
On the eve of its launch, the Kisumu Port is abuzz with activity as final preparations are underway. The National Government and the County Government of Kisumu are working tirelessly to ensure a successful opening ceremony.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, along with his counterparts from Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are expected to attend the launch. The port's upgrade, valued at Sh3 billion, is a significant infrastructure project for the region.
Transport CS acknowledged the importance of the Kisumu Port, stating that it will be a major stride not only for Kenya but also for the region. He noted that the port will play a crucial role in the distribution of oil products to the five countries.
“Kenya Pipeline Company has improved its throughput to the Kisumu depot with the recent launch of a nine six-inch pipeline and a lot of this will be going into the region though lake vessels. We are looking at liquid products to keep the port busy as we explore a permanent rail link,” the CS said.
The port is expected to rely heavily on exports from Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda, with cargo shipped through Mombasa Port or the Kisumu International Airport. Exports will include fertiliser, cement, rice, edible oil, and general dry cargo such as spare parts.
”We will float the available opportunities to leaders of the neighbouring nations during the launch. The opportunities will be of mutual benefit for all the countries. This will be the single most largest infrastructure project in the region bringing together all the our presidents,” the CS added.
