Kenya Ports Authority Extends Kisumu Port Quay to 392 Meters in Major Capacity Push

The Kenya Ports Authority has initiated a significant infrastructure upgrade at Kisumu Port, currently the largest inland waterway facility in East Africa. The project focuses on expanding the port’s physical footprint and technical capabilities to manage a sharp rise in regional trade volumes.

A central component of the ongoing works is the extension of the quay. Construction teams are lengthening the existing 262-meter structure to 392 meters. This 130-meter addition is specifically designed to allow more vessels to berth simultaneously, reducing turnaround times for ships operating within the Lake Victoria basin.

KPA officials indicated that the expansion is part of a broader strategy to boost cargo handling capacity. By lengthening the quay and improving shore-side infrastructure, the authority aims to solidify Kisumu’s position as a primary transit hub connecting Kenya to Uganda and Tanzania.

The developments follow a period of record growth for the facility. In 2025, Kisumu Port processed 496,516 metric tons of cargo, representing a 55 percent increase from the 295,516 tons handled the previous year. This surge has placed existing infrastructure under pressure, necessitating the current civil works.

Beyond the quay extension, the site is seeing active earthworks and the preparation of storage areas. Images from the ground show crews pouring concrete and leveling expansive sections of the port yard. These areas are intended to support the movement of heavy machinery and the storage of transit goods, including petroleum products and cereals.

Regional transport links remain the primary driver for the investment. The port serves as a critical node in an integrated rail and water system. Cargo arriving via the refurbished Meter Gauge Railway is shifted to vessels for onward transport to Port Bell and Jinja in Uganda, or Mwanza in Tanzania.

President Ruto has previously emphasized the importance of the blue economy in the Lake Region. The national government views the modernization of Kisumu and smaller satellite piers, such as the recently launched Usenge and Homa Bay sites, as essential for reducing the cost of cross-border logistics.

Operational efficiency has also seen a lift from the introduction of a new passenger terminal and improved customs facilities. These additions work alongside the cargo upgrades to provide a comprehensive maritime gateway.

Engineers on site are currently focused on the structural integrity of the new quay wall. Once completed, the extended berth will allow the port to handle larger throughput, aligning with KPA's projections for 2026. The authority expects these upgrades to facilitate a more seamless flow of both petroleum and conventional cargo across the lake.

The project is being managed directly by KPA as part of its strategic plan to decentralize port services and bring them closer to hinterland markets. The locals and regional traders are expected to see immediate benefits in reduced congestion once the new berths are fully commissioned.