This archive report was first published on 15 January 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to commission the refurbished Kisumu Port in early February, marking a significant milestone in the region's economic development.
The port, which has been undergoing renovations, is set to be officially opened by the President in a few weeks' time, according to sources.
Although the exact date has not been divulged, sources indicate that it could be early February, bringing a much-needed boost to the region's economy.
The port's expansion is part of the government's Blue Economy initiative, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade with neighboring countries along the lake basin.
According to Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, the facility will open up business opportunities and transform the town into a regional economic hub in western Kenya and East Africa.
Prof Nyong'o expressed optimism that the port will revive the economy of the region, which has been underwhelming due to the stubborn water hyacinth weed that had paralyzed business.
Before expansion, operations at the facility had been underwhelming, with only a handful of vessels docking at the port.
However, with the renovation of the giant wagon ferry MV Uhuru, operations at the port are expected to increase, with the vessel already shipping oil to neighboring Uganda.
According to port authorities, the first consignment was 22 wagons loaded with 894,000 liters of diesel last December.
Initially, there was confusion over the exact cost of revamping the port, with reports indicating that the project would cost Sh3 billion, but later reports from the DCI indicated the actual cost was Sh700 million.
With its expansion, the government is eyeing enhanced bilateral trade with its neighbors along the lake basin.
Although the over five-month delay had dampened the spirits of many locals, especially those whose property was flattened during the upgrade, the announcement of the launch is a sign that things are looking up.
“We are hoping that its opening will open for us new business opportunities,” said Josephine Anyango, a hotelier.
