The Sh3 billion face-lift of Kisumu Port has begun in earnest as the government seeks to restore the once vibrant East Africa hub to its glory days.

The renovated port is expected to be officially commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo in August.

The government has already released Sh500 million for the face-lift with the remaining Sh2.5 billion to be pumped in soon.

Matiangi toured the port to inspect ongoing works. He is expected in another tour in the company of Transport CS James Macharia in the next two weeks.

“The President has ordered that we pull out all the stop, including different authorities like Kenya Railways, Kenya Ports Authority, National Youth Service, Kenya Navy amongst others, so that we clean up this place. it will be revamped and people will get employed,” Matiang’i said.

On June 14, President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga took a discreet, impromptu tour of the port to check progress of construction works. the two leaders were also at the port in January.

Sources told the star the President ordered that the 1,000-tonne and 91-meter-long MV Uhuru ship cargo be repaired and should be ready to roar by August 15 when the port will be commissioned.

Currently, the controversial Sh1.9 billion oil jetty which is complete will start operations in August.

Petroleum CS John Munyes said the facility is expected to evacuate 8.8 million liters of fuel through Lake Victoria daily to reduce the pressure on the road.

Source The Star

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