The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has unveiled plans to construct a modern passenger terminal at the Kisumu port, aiming to revitalize transportation on Lake Victoria.
Collaborating with Trademark Africa, the KPA’s technical team has finalized designs for the project, aiming to rejuvenate the Kisumu Port under the Kisumu Port Resilient Infrastructure project. The terminal, set to be situated at the junction of Oginga Odinga Street and Obote Road, will serve as an international entry/exit point with comprehensive facilities including check-in/check-out services, surveillance systems, and various government agency offices.
Additionally, it will feature amenities such as access roads, jetties, ramps for ferries, security systems, and restrooms, facilitating the smooth flow of more than 500 passengers per hour at the jetty and 1,000 at the ferry terminal. The terminal premises will also house restaurants, forex bureaus, and taxi operator offices to cater to travelers’ needs.
Furthermore, a new warehouse and control tower will be established at the Kisumu pier to support service operations, while feeder ports within Kenyan waters are also undergoing development. The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) will establish a rescue center at the terminal, and navigation channels have been mapped, with an early warning system being developed to address challenges like water hyacinth infestation.
Once operational, the terminal will be managed jointly by KPA and other government agencies, with private sector involvement expected to bring in cruise ships and vessels, facilitating tourism and regional travel. This initiative aims to revive the historical connectivity between rail and lake transport, marking a significant step towards revitalizing the Kisumu Port, which has seen substantial growth since KPA took over operations in 2017.
