Kisumu: Kisumu Port has recorded a sharp rise in cargo volumes following major government-backed infrastructure upgrades, reinforcing its position as a key hub for East Africa's inland trade.

According to Kenya News Agency, Port Manager for Cargo Services Patrick Makau reported that cargo volumes at the facility have grown significantly, from 127,000 metric tonnes in 2023 to 281,000 metric tonnes in 2024, and further to 324,000 metric tonnes by the end of September this year. He projected the figure to reach 400,000 metric tonnes by December, marking the highest volume since the port's refurbishment and reopening in 2019.

Speaking during the reception of a new vessel, MV Mpungu at the port, Makau emphasized the Kenya Ports Authority's commitment to maintaining growth through continued infrastructure investments. These efforts aim to attract more vessels and enhance efficiency, with plans to dredge the port for larger ships and promote multimodal transport integrating lake, road, and rail networks for seamless cargo movement across the region.

The arrival of MV Mpungu, a 96-metre-long cargo vessel from Uganda, signifies a new chapter in East Africa's inland shipping. Operated by Grindrod Logistics Africa under East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT), the vessel's maiden call to Kisumu was to load cargo destined for Port Bell and Jinja in Uganda. The arrival event was attended by KPA officials and representatives from Express Shipping and Logistics (EA) Ltd.

MV Mpungu Captain Obedi Nkongoki, who received a certificate of call and a commemorative plaque, praised Kisumu's strategic role in regional trade. He announced that the vessel would make regular calls to ports across Lake Victoria, highlighting Kisumu as a key hub for unlocking trade potential. The vessel, commissioned on January 31, 2025, has a cargo capacity of 1,000 tonnes, equivalent to 22 trucks, and features a roll-on/roll-off design for efficient loading and unloading of wheeled cargo.

Capt. Nkongoki noted that by removing 22 trucks from East African roads per trip, the vessel would help preserve road infrastructure and save governments substantial repair costs. The ship is set to transport goods such as tiles, excavators, plant machinery, and aluminum, complementing its operations on the Port Bell-Mwanza route, with journey times of 15 hours to Jinja, 18 hours to Port Bell, and 24 hours to Mwanza.

EAMT Director Roney Seema welcomed the growing cooperation between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in reviving Lake Victoria transport. He stated the company's commitment to continued investment in cargo movement to strengthen regional trade, expressing excitement over the warm reception and readiness to invest further.

With eight active vessels, including Orion I, Orion II, MT Kabaka Mutebi, MT Elgon, MV Uhuru I, MV Uhuru II, MV Mpungu, and MV Munanga, Kisumu Port is emerging as a central player in East Africa's maritime economy. The increased cargo volumes and revival of lake transport highlight the success of government investment in the blue economy and regional integration efforts across the Great Lakes region.