Kenya plans to link Kisumu Port with SGR to boost regional trade

Kenya has announced plans to integrate Kisumu Port with the Standard Gauge Railway to enhance cargo movement between the Port of Mombasa and inland regions, strengthening the country's position as a competitive transport and trade hub.

The long-term strategy is expected to create a more integrated logistics corridor from the Indian Ocean coast to landlocked countries in the region, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

The Kenya Ports Authority noted that the major upgrade of East Africa's largest inland waterway facility is expected to significantly improve efficiency by enabling seamless cargo transfer from vessels on Lake Victoria onto Kenya's modern railway system.

Patrick Makau, KPA's manager cargo services, noted that Kenya's flagship infrastructure project currently being constructed with Chinese support, will play a central role in strengthening links between lake transport and the national rail and road network.

"Long-term plans call for integrating this line with the Standard Gauge Railway to link Kisumu's port operations with the national logistics network," he said in a statement.

Makau also revealed that the authority is working on the extension of the port's quay from 262 meters to 392 meters, a project expected to enable simultaneous docking of more vessels.

Yard space is also being expanded beyond the current 3,000 square meters and construction of a new 80-by-16 meter warehouse is underway to boost storage capacity.

The improvements are part of a broader government strategy to restore inland water transport in the Lake Victoria basin.