Nairobi: The towering ship-shaped exhibition stand at this year’s ASK Kisumu National Show was more than an eye-catching display. It told the story of a port that is transforming western Kenya’s economy, opening new trade routes and creating investment opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kisumu Port Manager Elijah Chirchir reported that the port has experienced extraordinary growth over the last eight years. In 2017, the facility handled about 4,300 metric tonnes of cargo annually. But by 2025, that figure had surged to 459,000 metric tonnes, highlighting the rapid revival of lake transport and regional trade. Major investments in infrastructure have driven this growth, accommodating larger vessels and higher cargo volumes.
The port serves as a major gateway for fuel shipments to Uganda and handles exports such as ceramic materials and steel billets, reinforcing its importance in East African trade. Transporting cargo by water reduces logistics costs and eases pressure on road networks. The anticipated arrival of the Standard Gauge Railway is expected to integrate road, rail, and water transport, strengthening trade links between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Chirchir encourages local entrepreneurs and farmers to seize opportunities presented by the expanding port. The transformation extends beyond Kisumu’s waterfront, with the Kenya Ports Authority investing in feeder ports to connect communities around Lake Victoria. Homa Bay Port has completed its first phase, and construction is progressing steadily at Mbita Bay and Sio port, with completion expected by September 2026. Usenge Port in Bondo is set to begin construction, expanding the network of lake transport infrastructure.
The ASK Show in Kisumu demonstrated the growing public interest in the port’s changing fortunes. For students, it offered insights into careers in engineering, logistics, and maritime transport. For investors, it revealed new business possibilities, and for farmers and traders, it demonstrated faster and more affordable ways of accessing regional markets.
The ports of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori work together as an integrated transport and trade network along Lake Victoria, supporting economic growth and improving livelihoods. Kisumu Port serves as the main commercial hub, handling a variety of cargo. The smaller ports complement Kisumu by facilitating fishing activities, passenger transport, tourism, and cross-border trade.
The collaboration among these ports has brought significant benefits to surrounding communities, providing employment and access to wider markets. Improved water transport has made travel faster and more affordable, promoting trade within the East African Community and reducing congestion on road networks. The modernization and expansion of Kisumu Port have strengthened the region’s transport system, encouraging greater investment in infrastructure and increasing cargo and passenger traffic on Lake Victoria.
As these ports continue to develop, they are expected to play a greater role in supporting regional integration, boosting tourism, facilitating trade, and driving economic growth for local communities and the nation. The 2026 Kisumu National Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show, under the theme ‘Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth,’ featured nearly 200 exhibitors from various sectors.
