Revenue collection at Kisumu Port has more than tripled over the past year, with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) reporting earnings of Ksh 107 million for the 2024/2025 financial year.
The figure marks a sharp jump from Ksh 30 million recorded the previous year.
KRA attributes the growth to intensified patrols and smarter cargo clearance systems introduced by its Marine Unit on Lake Victoria.
The measures have helped intercept uncustomed goods worth millions of shillings while closing loopholes that had previously allowed smugglers to evade taxes.
According to a statement issued on October 30, 2025, the Marine Unit recovered Ksh 1.6 million in revenue after seizing uncustomed goods valued at Ksh 3.19 million. The agency says the crackdown has boosted lawful trade and improved security across the lake’s trading routes.
The revival of Kisumu Port and ongoing investments in its infrastructure have also played a major role in increasing tax collections. Imports such as 4,600 metric tonnes of sugar brought in through the port generated over Ksh 170 million in duties and taxes.
“Revenue at Kisumu Port surged to Ksh 107M, up from Ksh 30M last year, thanks to increased surveillance, smarter clearance, and enhanced marine operations,” KRA said.
During a media tour of the port, Dominic Kengara, Chief Manager for Customs in the Western Region, said the marine operations have significantly reduced illegal cross-border trade.
“We’ve greatly reduced illegal cross-border trade while promoting legitimate commerce,” said Kengara.
He noted that items such as illicit alcohol, timber, livestock, and sugar are among the most commonly smuggled goods across the lake. Legitimate exports have, however, continued to grow, with frequent shipments of petroleum products, fertiliser, wheat, and ceramic tiles.
Kengara added that the growing use of marine transport has eased congestion at the Busia and Malaba One Stop Border Posts.
He pointed out that over 150 vessels exporting petroleum products are equivalent to 153 trucks that would otherwise use land routes.
KRA says the intensified lake patrols are part of a broader effort to enhance border security, promote compliance, and encourage lawful trade across the region’s waterways.
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