Make Kisumu an import-export hub to turn around its fortunes

A stalled ship at Kisumu old port. The Government says Sh14 billion has been allocated for the new port to be constructed six kilometres south of the current one. [PHOTO: COLLINS ODUOR/STANDARD]

The vision of growing Kisumu into the country’s second major port as well as turning it into East Africa’s transport hub inches closer to reality with the help of Chinese expertise and financing.

But the expected returns will only be realised fully if the Government does the heavy lifting needed to avoid building a white elephant by leaving the responsibility of setting up businesses that will utilise the new port to the private sector. The sluggish pace at which business is growing around Kisumu International Airport should sound an alarm that the days of the Government developing infrastructure and leaving the private sector to do the rest are over.