By Staff Writer
As Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o prepares to complete his second and final constitutional term in office, Kisumu stands as a markedly transformed city whose growing stature as a regional economic hub reflects years of deliberate planning, strategic partnerships and sustained investment in infrastructure. Since assuming office in 2017, Governor Nyong’o has championed an ambitious agenda to reposition Kisumu from a lakeside city into a thriving centre for trade, investment, manufacturing and tourism. Working closely with successive national governments, his administration has overseen major projects that have laid a firm foundation for long-term economic growth.
Among the most defining milestones of his tenure is the revival of the historic Kisumu Port, a project that has restored the city’s strategic importance within the East African region. Reviving the Sleeping Giant For decades, the Kisumu Port remained largely underutilised despite its immense potential to facilitate regional trade across Lake Victoria. Under the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the port underwent extensive rehabilitation before being officially recommissioned in 2021.
Governor Nyong’o’s administration worked closely with the national government to support the revival through urban planning, investment promotion and positioning Kisumu as a destination for commerce and logistics. The reopening of the port breathed new life into lake transport, reconnecting Kenya with Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo through the Lake Victoria transport network.
Today, the port is steadily attracting increased cargo movement while opening new opportunities for shipping, fisheries, tourism and the broader blue economy. The revival has also renewed investor confidence, encouraging businesses to establish logistics centres, warehouses and support services around Kisumu’s expanding waterfront. Urban Renewal that Changed the City’s Face Beyond the port, Governor Nyong’o’s administration has overseen one of the most comprehensive urban transformation programmes in Kisumu’s history.
Through the Kisumu Urban Support Programme and other infrastructure initiatives, the city has witnessed the construction of modern pedestrian walkways, improved roads, upgraded drainage systems, modern public markets, green public spaces, business incubation facilities and enhanced public amenities. These projects have significantly improved mobility, enhanced the city’s attractiveness to investors and strengthened Kisumu’s reputation as one of Kenya’s fastest-growing urban centres.
The improvements have also complemented Kisumu’s growing profile as a destination for conferences, trade exhibitions and international meetings. Unlocking the Blue Economy Recognising Lake Victoria as one of Kisumu’s greatest natural assets, Governor Nyong’o has consistently promoted the blue economy as a key pillar of economic transformation. The county has invested in modern fish landing sites, improved fisheries infrastructure and strengthened value chains to support fishing communities while creating employment opportunities for young people.
Together with the revived port, these investments have positioned Kisumu to benefit from increased maritime trade, commercial fishing and water transport across the region. The Next Chapter: Standard Gauge Railway As Governor Nyong’o prepares to leave office, another transformative national project promises to elevate the gains already made during his administration. President William Ruto’s government has commenced the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba, including a direct railway link into Kisumu Port.
Once completed, the railway will provide a seamless transport corridor connecting the Port of Mombasa to Kisumu before linking cargo to neighbouring countries through Lake Victoria. The integration of the railway with Kisumu Port is expected to dramatically increase cargo volumes, reduce transportation costs and improve the efficiency of regional trade. For manufacturers, importers and exporters, the project presents an opportunity to access regional markets more competitively while reducing reliance on road transport.
The railway is also expected to stimulate investment in industrial parks, warehousing, agro-processing, logistics, cold storage facilities and value addition industries across Kisumu County. Expanding Investment Opportunities The combination of an operational international airport, a revitalised port and the upcoming SGR connection positions Kisumu as one of East Africa’s most strategically connected cities.
These complementary investments are expected to attract manufacturing industries, hospitality ventures, financial services, logistics companies and technology-driven enterprises seeking access to regional markets. The multiplier effect is likely to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities while expanding the county’s revenue base and improving livelihoods.
A Legacy Built for Future Generations
As Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o concludes his constitutionally mandated tenure, his legacy will be measured not only by completed infrastructure projects but also by the vision that has redefined Kisumu’s place within Kenya and the wider East African economy. The revival of Kisumu Port during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration restored the city’s historical role as a gateway to the Great Lakes region. The ongoing Standard Gauge Railway project under President William Ruto is set to complete that vision by integrating road, rail, air and lake transport into a modern multimodal logistics network.
Together, these landmark investments have laid the foundation for sustained economic growth, enhanced regional integration and increased investor confidence. As Kisumu looks to the future, the city is increasingly emerging as a centre of commerce, innovation and connectivity—an enduring testament to a development agenda focused on creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come.
