On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the MV Uhuru 1 vessel docked at the Kisumu port from Mwanza Tanzania with a consignment of 1200 tons of industrial coal, signaling a new frontier for Tanzanian exports to Kenya.
By Blue Africa News
The emergence of coal shipments from Songea, Tanzania to Kenya via Kisumu Port has turned the port into a beehive of activity, with throughput projected to reach 700,000 metric tons in 2026.
In 2025, the Lake Victoria port processed 496,516 metric tons of cargo compared to 295,516 metric tons the previous year, accounting for a 55% growth, according to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) 2025 performance outlook report released in January, 2026.
Four months into the year, the port is already registering a significant increase in cargo volumes, thanks to the emergence of coal shipments from Tanzania.
“There are ongoing negotiations which are at advanced stages between Tanzanian exporters and their newfound clients in West Pokot, with the objective of opening a fresh commercial corridor for manufacturers in Western Kenya’s region,” said Patrick Makau, Kisumu port manager cargo services.
Coal shipments, Makau noted, are providing a major shift, diversifying Kisumu’s cargo mix beyond its petroleum-heavy portfolio.
“This is a pivotal moment for lake transport. Kisumu is becoming the gateway of choice because the lake offers clear efficiency and cost advantages. The momentum is strong, and we are preparing for larger volumes ahead,” added the manager.
Cargo vessels MV Uhuru I and MV Uhuru II, operated by Kenya Railways, sail from the Kisumu port, boosting regional trade between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, while MV Mpungu, a pioneering roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) freight and passenger vessel launched in 2025 is also helping improve trade connectivity between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the MV Uhuru 1 vessel docked at the Kisumu port from Mwanza Tanzania with a consignment of 1200 tons of industrial coal, signaling a new frontier for Tanzanian exports to Kenya.
Petroleum exports remain the backbone of Kisumu port’s operations, supported by twice weekly tanker trips to Uganda, with the MV Uhuru II regularly delivering fuel to Port Bell and Jinja.
The deployment of MV Mpungu with a carrying volume of 1,000 tonnes, alongside several smaller craft, have helped increase capacity.
According to KPA, activities at the Kisumu port continued to accelerate in early 2026.
“In March, the Kisumu port recorded 26 vessel calls, up from 23 in February and 18 in the same month the previous year. The MT Kabaka Mutebi II logged seven calls, MV Uhuru II and MV Orion II three each, MT Elgon six, MV Mpungu one, and MV Orion I two,” said KPA in a statement.
“Export volumes for the month of March totaled 44,301 tonnes, driven by 40,533 tonnes of petroleum products, followed by 2,885 tonnes of ceramic tiles, 774 tonnes of high rolling coils, and 109 tonnes of heavy machinery. Cumulative throughput from January to March recorded 145,753 tonnes, a 46 percent increase from the same period in 2025.”
MV Uhuru 1, one of the cargo vessels operated by Kenya Railways operating on Lake Victoria, boosting trade between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Photo courtesy: KPA
The port’s resurgence, KPA notes, is anchored in the Kenya Ports Authority’s investments initiatives to upgrade infrastructure at the port.
This, the authority said, includes the quay side, which has been extended from 262 meters to 392 meters, allowing multiple vessels to berth simultaneously; dredging to improve the draft conditions; and cargo storage facilities that have boosted handling capacity. The construction of a new passenger terminal is under way, and a dedicated access road linking the port to the regional highway network is nearing completion.
“Navigation on Lake Victoria has also improved following the installation of modern aids to navigation along routes. Security is now coordinated through a multi-agency framework with KPA preparing to integrate rail lake operations with the planned introduction of oil wagons to ease pressure on regional roads,” added the authority.
Similarly, the port has made impressive strides in reducing vessel turnaround time and enhanced efficiency following the acquisition of new equipment.
Besides Kisumu, KPA also operates the Mombasa and Lamu ports.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News