The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reported a significant boost in revenue collection at Kisumu Port, reaching Ksh107 million in the Financial Year 2024/2025, up from Ksh30 million the previous year.

The increase has been attributed to enhanced surveillance and smarter clearance processes implemented by KRA’s Marine Unit on Lake Victoria.

The unit’s intensified operations have also led to the interception of Ksh3.19 million in uncustomed goods and the recovery of Ksh1.6 million in revenue. The measures have been instrumental in cracking down on smuggling while promoting lawful trade across the region’s waterways.

The reopening and expansion of the Kisumu Port have revitalised regional trade and contributed to the rise in revenue collection.

In the Financial Year 2024/2025, KRA collected Ksh107 million at the port, up from Ksh90 million the previous year. Approximately 4,600 metric tonnes of sugar imported through the port yielded over Ksh170 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,” read the X post in part.

Crackdown on lake smuggling

According to a media brief released on October 30, 2025, KRA’s Marine Unit has strengthened its operations to enhance border security and seal revenue loopholes along Lake Victoria.

The brief detailed that in the Financial Year 2022/2023, the unit intercepted illicit and uncustomed goods valued at Ksh9.19 million, recovering Ksh1.6 million in revenue. Most of the intercepted items were linked to small-scale traders attempting to smuggle goods through unauthorised lake routes.

Speaking during a media familiarization session at the Kisumu Port, Chief Manager for Customs in the Western Region, Dominic Kengara, said the KRA Marine Unit has in recent years heightened surveillance across Kenya’s territorial waters on Lake Victoria.

“We’ve greatly reduced illegal cross-border trade while promoting legitimate commerce,” said Kengara. He added that commonly smuggled goods through Lake Victoria include illicit liquor, timber, livestock, and sugar.

Exports through Kisumu Port have also grown, with frequent consignments including petroleum products, ceramic tiles, wheat, and fertiliser.

Kengara noted that marine clearance has helped decongest the Busia and Malaba One Stop Border Posts, pointing out that over 150 vessels exporting petroleum products are equivalent to 153 trucks transporting similar consignments via land routes.