In a significant move that will bolster regional trade and economic development Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon. Soipan Tuya, alongside Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir, officially handed over the MV Uhuru II to the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) at the Kisumu Shipyard on September 19, 2024.

The handover ceremony entailed the official transfer of ownership from KSL to KRC. The event was graced by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and other Key figures including Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, Transport PS Mohamed Daghar, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. General John Omenda, KSL Managing Director Maj attended the event. Gen. Said Farah, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owilo, along with other senior government and military officials. There were other invited government officials, stakeholders from the blue economy sector, and other key partners.

Speaking during the handover event, Hon. Tuya lauded KSL’s efforts in establishing Kenya as an emerging shipbuilding hub in East Africa. She also noted that the handover of MV Uhuru II to the Ministry of Transport was not just transferring a vessel, but entrusting a legacy to facilitate trade, enhance connectivity, and contribute to the prosperity of our region.

“This is more than the transfer of a vessel; it’s the passing on of a legacy. MV Uhuru II will boost trade, enhance regional connectivity, and create jobs, driving economic growth in the Lake Victoria basin,” she commented.

Built by Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) under the Ministry of Defence, the vessel is set to transport crude oil and other cargo across Lake Victoria, facilitating trade between Kenya and Uganda.

MV Uhuru II’s official entry into the service and her first operational journey on Lake Victoria is indeed a monumental step in advancing Kenya’s maritime infrastructure and Blue economy. It is also a testament to Kenya’s commitment to enhancing regional trade and improving transport efficiency across Lake Victoria.

Combined, the vessels, MV Uhuru I and II will play a vital role in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to harness the potential of its blue economy, which includes fisheries, aquaculture, transport, and tourism.

MV Uhuru II operations have commenced at a time when the Government has implemented significant infrastructural investments around Kisumu Port. These include the upgrading of the Kisumu port, which is crucial for connecting Kenya with Uganda and Tanzania, the construction of a 1.8-kilometer railway line connecting the Kisumu port to the Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) depot, and a multimodal system that integrates road, rail, and water transport. This will enable the transport of goods via the Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Naivasha and then onward by Meter Gauge Railway to Kisumu, where they are shipped across the lake to Uganda and northern Tanzania.

These upgrades will facilitate seamless transport operations, allowing MV Uhuru II to handle cargo for regional export and import efficiently. The vessel’s ability to integrate with Kenya’s railway network further enhances its strategic importance in regional trade.

MV Uhuru II is expected to complement its predecessor, MV Uhuru I. Looking forward, the significance of MV Uhuru II extends beyond her immediate operational capabilities. She represents our strategic vision for the development of our maritime sector.