The City of Kisumu

Kisumu Port is steadily registering a significant increase in cargo volumes with the figures for the year 2026 projected to hit 700,000 metric tons.

The Lake port handled 459,601 tons of cargo in 2025 underlining a sharp rise in lake shipping business in the region, pointing to new trade patterns between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The growth has been attributed to the expanding commodity flow and renewed demand for Lake Victoria transport routes.

According to the Kisumu Port Manager Cargo Services, Mr. Patrick Makau, the latest notable development is the emergence of coal shipments from Songea, Tanzania, transiting through Kisumu for the first time.

There are ongoing negotiations which are at advanced stages between Tanzanian exporters and their newfound clients in West Pokot, with the objective of opening a fresh commercial corridor for manufacturers in Western Kenya’s region. This shift is expected to diversify Kisumu’s cargo mix beyond its petroleum heavy portfolio,” said Mr. Makau.

The vessel MV Uhuru 1 docked at the Port of Kisumu on Saturday 18th April,2026 from Mwanza Tanzania to discharge a consignment of 1200 tons of industrial coal.

Petroleum exports remain the backbone of Kisumu port’s operations, supported by twice weekly tanker voyages to Uganda. The MV Uhuru II regularly delivers fuel to Port Bell and Jinja, providing much of the lift. Capacity has risen further with the deployment of MV Mpungu, a vessel able to carry 1,000 tonnes, alongside several smaller crafts.

Activity at the port continued to accelerate in early 2026. In March, Kisumu recorded 26 vessel calls, up from 23 in February and 18 in the same month the previous year. The MT Kabaka Mutebi II logged seven calls, MV Uhuru II and MV Orion II three each, MT Elgon six, MV Mpungu one, and MV Orion I two.

Export volumes for the month of March totaled 44,301 tonnes, driven by 40,533 tonnes of petroleum products, followed by 2,885 tonnes of ceramic tiles, 774 tonnes of high rolling coils, and 109 tonnes of heavy machinery. Cumulative throughput from January to March recorded 145,753 tonnes, a 46 percent increase from the same period in 2025.

Kisumu’s resurgence is anchored in the Kenya Ports Authority's investments initiatives to upgrade infrastructure at the port. This includes the quay side, which has been extended from 262 meters to 392 meters, allowing multiple vessels to berth simultaneously; dredging to improve the draft conditions; and cargo storage facilities that have boosted handling capacity. The construction of a new passenger terminal is under way, and a dedicated access road linking the port to the regional highway network is nearing completion.

Navigation on Lake Victoria has also improved following the installation of modern aids to navigation along routes. Security is now coordinated through a multi-agency framework with KPA preparing to integrate rail lake operations with the planned introduction of oil wagons to ease pressure on regional roads.
The port has made impressive strides in reducing vessel turnaround time and enhanced efficiency following the acquisition of new equipment, including a Grove mobile crane, a 10 tonne XGMA forklift, and two 3 tonne forklifts.

Beyond trade, the port’s expansion is spurring wider economic activity across Lake Victoria counties. Improved piers, safer navigation, and better connectivity are supporting tourism, fisheries, and regulated water transport, along with increased inter county commerce.

As East African countries move to expand containerized lake shipping, Kisumu is preparing to handle up to 4,000 TEUs, strengthening its place as one of the region’s most critical inland hubs. Via Kenya Ports Authority

The City Manager of Kisumu, Abala M. Wanga, joined H.E. Governor Anyang' Nyong'o during the ongoing Africa Urban Forum and participated in a high-level side event on “From Vision to Bankable Urban Transformation”, focusing on financing integrated housing and river corridor regeneration in African cities.

The session, moderated by Abel Omanga, brought together key urban development leaders, including Anton Cartwright, Associate at the African Centre for Cities; Dr.-Ing. Eshetayehu Kinfu Tesfaye, Head of the Strategic Programmes Management Office at the Addis Ababa City Administration, Mayor’s Office; Babati Mkaethi, Senior Urban Development Officer at the African Development Bank Group; and Evelyne Otieno, Urban Development Specialist at the European Investment Bank (EIB), Kenya.

During the event, the City Manager received a key report from the City Climate Finance Gap Fund on flood proofing and greening of Auji Creek in Kisumu City, outlining actionable strategies to enhance climate resilience, restore urban ecosystems, and unlock sustainable investment opportunities.

The engagement provided a valuable platform to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate inclusive and resilient urban development.

Kisumu City Among World’s Leading “Zero Waste” Cities

Kisumu City has been globally recognized after being named among the inaugural cohort of cities under the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste flagship initiative, “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste.”

The recognition, supported by UN-Habitat and United Nations Environment Programme, places Kisumu among 20 cities worldwide demonstrating leadership in sustainable waste management and circular economy innovation.

This milestone underscores the City’s ongoing efforts to address waste management challenges and transition towards environmentally sustainable systems. Over the years, Kisumu has implemented key interventions including decentralized waste management approaches, strengthened public-private partnerships, and support for community-based waste enterprises.
Programs such as the Kisumu Integrated Sustainable Waste Management Project (KISWAMP) have significantly contributed to improving efficiency, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing environmental governance.

The global recognition provides Kisumu with an opportunity to engage in knowledge exchange with leading cities, attract investment in green infrastructure, and showcase its progress on international platforms.

While celebrating this achievement, the City remains committed to scaling up waste collection and segregation, investing in recycling and recovery systems, and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

Kisumu City calls upon residents, businesses, and stakeholders to take an active role in advancing the zero waste agenda and building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient urban environment.

Today, City Board Chair Eng. Kenneth Nyangaga, together with Board Members, held a meeting with City Manager Abala Wanga.
The meeting focused on key issues affecting the city, including service delivery, ongoing development projects, and strengthening collaboration between the Board and City Management.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together to enhance efficiency and improve the quality of services for all residents.

The City of Kisumu, through the Office of the City Manager, Abala Wanga is taking a bold and progressive step in addressing Gender-Based Violence with the establishment of a One-Stop GBV Response Centre in Kaloleni.

This initiative, led in partnership with Transform Empowerment For Action Initiative—a youth-led Public Benefit Organisation—brings together a strong consortium of organizations committed to GBV prevention and response. Together, we are advancing constitutionalism, human rights, and climate-conscious community action.

The One-Stop Centre will provide integrated support services, ensuring survivors receive timely care, protection, and justice with dignity.
A safer Kisumu is possible when we act together.

Today, First Lady Mama Dorothy Nyong’o paid a courtesy call to the Office of the City Manager Abala Wanga.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the current state of the city, ongoing development initiatives, and ways to enhance service delivery for residents.
She later visited the City Board offices, where she interacted with board Mambers and appreciated their commitment to ensuring smooth operations within the city.
We remain committed to building a better, more efficient, and people-centered city through strong partnerships and leadership.

🚨 In case of any disaster, accident, or medical emergency within Kisumu, please act quickly and contact the relevant emergency services.
Let’s stay informed, remain alert, and keep our families and communities safe. Kindly share this information widely to help save lives.

On this special occasion, may the spirit of Eid inspire unity, compassion, and hope in our community.

Wishing you and your loved ones peace, good health, and abundant blessings.

The Kisumu City Manager today conducted an inspection tour of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project in preparation for the upcoming presidential visit scheduled for Saturday.
The visit comes as the government finalizes preparations for the historic groundbreaking ceremony to be presided over by President William Ruto, alongside Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.

During the inspection, the City Manager assessed the readiness of key infrastructure, logistical arrangements, and site preparations to ensure the city is fully set to host the high-profile event.
The launch is anticipated to attract thousands of stakeholders and marks a major milestone in strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration across East Africa. �