Plans are being put in place for the revival of the Kisumu Port, which had been closed down after the Rift Valley Railways stopped using that route in 2011. This led to manufacturers seeking alternative ways of transporting their goods to neighboring countries like Tanzania and Uganda.
Most goods are being transported through Busia, Malaba and Sirare, but with Kisumu port, this will ease the transportation services in terms of time and expenses. The port will either be reconstructed or it can as well be renovated, all these plan are being debated on before the project kicks off.
It was reported that the Rift Valley Railways claimed that there was not enough cargo o be transported to the port from that region, thus the move to stop using the route. There is so much potential in the business sector that has prompted the reopening of the port.
Kisumu port being located at the center of East Africa, will boost trade activities in the region and even improve relation ties especially between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in the field if business. Both people and goods will also be moved easily in the region through Lake Victoria. Trade is also expected to be more competitive in the region, which will be a positive move.
The project will open up job opportunities for people in Kisumu and after putting everything in place, there are expectations for improvements in the industrialization sector. The revival of the port has been estimated for Sh.14.3 billion.
Presence of Kisumu port will also reduce time spend on the route between Mombasa and Kisumu by almost half. Currently, time spent is 36 hours, this is expected to come down to 18 hours.
Article by Vera Shawiza.