This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was expected to lead the launch of the refurbished Kisumu Port on August 15, 2019, but the event was cancelled at the last minute. The port, which has been under renovation for eight months at a cost of Sh3 billion, was set to be officially opened by the President and five other East African presidents.
According to State House, the event was postponed due to the President's unavailability, but the exact reason for the cancellation remains unclear. The launch team, comprising representatives from the national and county governments, Kenya Airports Authority, and other stakeholders, had completed all necessary arrangements, including identifying the venue and making security arrangements.
However, sources claimed that the event was postponed due to delays in completing works at the port. The confusion was heightened by social media users who claimed that there were plans to disrupt the event due to ongoing demolitions of small and medium businesses in the area.
Committee Secretary Aloice Ager declined to comment on the allegations, stating that the team needed to consult further before issuing a final statement. Regional Commissioner James Kianda also failed to comment, responding with a text message that read, 'We will update at the appropriate time.'
