Kisumu Port is positioning itself as a rising logistics hub in East Africa after receiving its first-ever shipment of coal from Tanzania, a move expected to unlock new revenue streams and reshape regional trade flows.
The development marks a strategic shift for the lake port, which has traditionally handled petroleum and transit cargo, mainly destined for Uganda. Now, with coal entering the mix, Kisumu is expanding into bulk industrial cargo—targeting Kenya’s growing manufacturing sector.
New cargo, new opportunities
According to Port Manager for Cargo Services Patrick Makau, the arrival of coal signals a deliberate effort to diversify operations and tap into inland demand for industrial raw materials.
“The latest notable development is the emergence of coal shipments from Songea, Tanzania, transiting through Kisumu for the first time,” Makau said in an interview.
The milestone shipment, a 1,200-tonne consignment, was transported aboard the vessel MV Uhuru I from Mwanza, marking the beginning of what stakeholders believe could become a steady and scalable trade route.
The coal originates from southern Tanzania’s mineral-rich Songea region and is destined for industries in western Kenya, with potential expansion into markets such as West Pokot.
Building a new inland supply chain
Unlike petroleum cargo, which is largely re-exported to neighboring countries, coal shipments through Kisumu are expected to serve domestic industries. This creates a localized supply chain feeding sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and energy production.
Makau revealed that negotiations between Tanzanian exporters and Kenyan buyers are already at advanced stages, pointing to sustained demand.
“There are ongoing negotiations…with the objective of opening a fresh commercial corridor for manufacturers in Western Kenya,” he said.
The route offers a more efficient alternative to long-distance road transport, with lake shipping significantly cutting costs and transit time for bulk goods.
Lake transport gains strategic edge
The shift underscores the growing importance of Lake Victoria as a competitive transport corridor linking Tanzania’s resource base to Kenya’s industrial hinterland.
Suppliers are increasingly turning to lake transport due to its affordability and capacity to handle large cargo volumes. To support this, Kisumu Port is upgrading its operations to accommodate bulk shipments, including larger vessels.
“We have vessels now carrying up to 1,000 tonnes per voyage in addition to smaller ones,” Makau noted.
This increased capacity is expected to sustain not only coal shipments but also attract other bulk commodities such as clinker and fertiliser in the future.
Growth momentum at the port
The coal initiative comes at a time when Kisumu Port is already experiencing a strong resurgence in activity.
Cargo throughput reached 459,601 tonnes in 2025, reflecting significant growth in port operations. Early figures for 2026 indicate the upward trend is continuing, with volumes between January and March hitting 145,753 tonnes—a 46 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Exports are also gaining traction. In March alone, the port handled 44,301 tonnes of exports, driven primarily by petroleum but increasingly supported by diversified cargo.
Vessel traffic has surged dramatically, rising from just 10 ships in 2017 to 124 in 2025. Currently, the port records between 25 and 30 vessel calls per month, highlighting its growing regional relevance.
A turning point for Kisumu Port
The introduction of coal shipments represents more than just a new cargo line—it signals a structural shift in how the port operates and its role within East Africa’s logistics network.
By anchoring a domestic supply chain for industrial inputs, Kisumu Port is moving beyond its traditional transit function to become a key player in Kenya’s internal trade ecosystem.
Industry observers say this could have far-reaching economic implications, particularly for western Kenya, where access to affordable raw materials has long been a challenge.
As new cargo streams take root and infrastructure continues to improve, Kisumu Port is steadily redefining itself—not just as a lake port, but as a critical gateway for inland commerce and industrial growth
