This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
On Tuesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga made a private visit to the Sh3 billion Kisumu port, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation. The port's face-lift has generated optimism for a boost in Nyanza's economic fortunes upon completion.
The renovation is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly, and residents and their leaders believe it will put the port back on the map of Kenya's shipping and maritime economy.
President Kenyatta and Raila Odinga have been supervising the port's revival, making several visits to the site as the government seeks to restore the once-vibrant East Africa hub to its former glory.
Although the port's rehabilitation was expected to be completed in August, the delay has forced the postponement of its commissioning, which was initially scheduled for August 15.
Uhuru had been expected to open the port alongside his Ugandan and DRC counterparts, Yoweri Museveni and Felix Tshisekedi, but the event was postponed indefinitely.
According to sources, the port is 99 per cent ready, with Uganda's port also complete.
President Kenyatta has become a frequent visitor to Nyanza since the handshake with his former rival Raila Odinga, and on June 18, he attended the funeral of Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o's mother alongside Raila.
