This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Published on August 23, 2019, the Sh3 billion refurbished port in Kisumu, Kenya, is set to boost the regional economy.
The port, which involves a ship assembly yard, is part of a larger infrastructure development project that includes a Sh3 billion Special Economic Zone (SEZ) industrial park sprawl on 1,000 acres in Muhoroni, and an upgraded Kisumu International Airport for cargo haulage.
The project aims to create 25,000 jobs at its peak and is expected to have a multiplier effect on the local economy.
However, the project has faced opposition from local residents who have been evicted from their homes to make way for the development.
Despite the challenges, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy, with the port and SEZ industrial park set to attract investors and create new opportunities for local businesses.
The project is also expected to boost trade in the region, with the port set to become a major hub for cargo and trade.
The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) counties, which include Kisumu, Vihiga, Busia, Migori, and Homa Bay, are expected to benefit significantly from the project.
The counties are being encouraged to develop a stream of feeder trade products to increase vitality at the port.
The project is also expected to have a positive impact on the agriculture sector, with the SEZ industrial park set to provide opportunities for value addition and exports of agricultural produce.
