KISUMU, Kenya — Jenny Da Rin has reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s maritime trade and blue economy agenda following a visit to Kisumu Port on Tuesday.
The Australian envoy held a consultative meeting with Patrick Makau to discuss opportunities for expanding trade and investment cooperation within the Lake Victoria basin.
According to the Kenya Ports Authority, the discussions focused on strengthening regional economic integration and enhancing business activities linked to the revitalized inland port.
Da Rin commended the authority for its role in advancing Kenya’s blue economy strategy and noted the significant growth in cargo throughput recorded at Kisumu Port in recent years.
“The Australian Government remains committed to supporting and collaborating with the Kenyan Government in enhancing business activities at Kisumu Port,” the envoy said.
Makau briefed the High Commissioner on the port’s operational performance, infrastructure expansion projects, and strategic importance in regional trade logistics.
“Kenya Ports Authority, through its investments, is opening up more business opportunities in Lake Victoria and strengthening regional trade integration,” Makau said.
He added that the port continues to play an increasingly important role in facilitating cargo movement across East Africa, supporting job creation and wider socio-economic growth in the region.
Kisumu Port has undergone major rehabilitation and modernization works in recent years as part of government efforts to revive inland water transport and unlock the economic potential of the Lake Victoria region.
The port is strategically positioned to support trade between Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other countries within the Great Lakes region.
The visit also signals expanding diplomatic and commercial engagement between Kenya and Australia, particularly in infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and maritime cooperation.
Kenya has prioritized blue economy development under its broader economic transformation agenda, with investments targeting ports, fisheries, maritime transport, and regional logistics infrastructure.
