Kisumu port closed to public

African Union Envoy Raila Odinga while commissioning a dredger at at Kisumu port on January 18th 2019. ( Collins Oduor, Standard)

KISUMU, KENYA: Kisumu Port has been closed to the public until the on-going repairs and maintenance works are finished.

Currently, there is increased human traffic at the port out of anxiety as local leaders and residents flock the port daily, some looking for menial jobs, contracts others on tour.

Kisumu Port Manager Charles Kitur, said they will only allow vessels that ply the dock at the port but minimise traffic movements.

''Business will be on as usual but only movements in and out by tourists is what we want to limit,'' he told the Standard

There is alot of activities currently going on at the port. This includes bush clearing and burning by the National Youth Service,(NYS), and Kenya Prison warders.

Contractors are also busy repairing roads and pathways leading to and out of the port and as well giving fresh paints and repairing broken walls and tiled floors.

Sources also disclosed as from today, the contractors will work twenty four hours, after the flood lights were installed. Security has also been beefed up in and all around.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is keen to see the ongoing works concluded next month and the Ports Authority and contractors are doing all they can to beat the strict timelines.

This will pave way for the official opening in August by five East African Heads of States led by President Uhuru and AU special Envoy for infrastructure Raila Odinga.