The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Monday announced that it had completed the design stages for a port in Kisumu.
Dubbed the Kisumu Port Resilient Infrastructure Project, the port is expected to have a capacity of over 500 passengers at the jetty and 1,000 at the ferry terminal per hour once completed.
KPA has also reported that following the construction of the port, cruise ships will soon be able to dock on the shores of Lake Victoria, facilitating the transport of local guests and international/VIP guests.
Within the design elements, KPA has detailed that the terminal will host a public hall featuring concession areas, drop-off and arrival zones, ticketing facilities, and screening sections.
Moreover, it will include passenger processing zones equipped with check-in counters, immigration, and customs facilities, as well as port health services.
Further, the Authority detailed that the project encompasses a modern cargo warehouse to complement the new passenger terminal and ensure the free flow of goods.
KPA informed travellers that they can look forward to a range of amenities, such as restaurants, forex bureaus, and offices for taxi and tour operators within the terminal premises.
According to KPA, construction is currently underway at the Homa Bay pier and other landing sites across the lake region are also undergoing refurbishment to support this development.
Further, the Authority has detailed that the construction of the port will be facilitated through a collaborative initiative and is featured in its strategic plan.
Additionally, the construction of the port is in a bid to revive the port which had been in a lull for close to three decades.
However, the government continues to work to revive the port citing that its linkage to the port of Mombasa through great road infrastructure and the revamped Nakuru-Kisumu Meter Gauge Railway line (MGR) will revive its operations
This announcement and commencement of the port construction also follows the government’s initiative to acquire three new ultra-modern cranes at the Lamu Port, to boost Kenya’s water transport.
