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MV Uhuru II delivered to Kenya Railways MV Uhuru II delivered to Kenya Railways

In a pivotal development poised to significantly enhance regional commerce and economic growth, the Honourable Soipan Tuya, Defence Cabinet Secretary, in collaboration with Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, presided over the ceremonial transfer of the MV Uhuru II to the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) at the Kisumu Shipyard on the 19th of September, 2024.

The ceremony marked the formal transition of the vessel's ownership from Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) to KRC. The occasion was honored by the presence of the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and witnessed by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, along with prominent personalities such as Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar, Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. General John Omenda, KSL Managing Director Maj. Gen. Said Farah, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owilo, and a host of other high-ranking government and military dignitaries. The event also welcomed other government invitees, key stakeholders from the maritime economy sector, and various essential collaborators.

During the event, Hon. Tuya praised the commendable efforts of KSL in positioning Kenya as a nascent center for shipbuilding excellence within the East African region. She emphasized that the transfer of MV Uhuru II to the Ministry of Transport symbolized not merely the handover of a ship but the entrustment of a heritage designed to spur trade, augment regional interconnectivity, and contribute significantly to the region's flourishing prosperity.

Hon. Tuya remarked, “We are witnessing not just the handover of a ship but the bequeathing of a heritage. The MV Uhuru II is set to catalyze commerce, strengthen regional ties, and generate employment, thereby propelling economic advancement within the Lake Victoria region.”

Constructed by Kenya Shipyards Limited under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence, the vessel is destined to transport crude oil and assorted goods across Lake Victoria, thereby streamlining trade between Kenya and Uganda.

The inauguration of MV Uhuru II into active service and her maiden voyage on Lake Victoria represent a landmark stride in the enhancement of Kenya's maritime infrastructure and the Blue economy. It also stands as a testament to Kenya's dedication to bolstering regional commerce and elevating the efficiency of transportation across Lake Victoria.

Together, MV Uhuru I and II are set to play an instrumental role in Kenya's ongoing endeavors to tap into the potential of its maritime economy, encompassing sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, transportation, and tourism.

The commencement of MV Uhuru II's operations coincides with the Government's substantial infrastructural enhancements in the vicinity of Kisumu Port. These improvements include the modernization of the Kisumu port to facilitate connections with Uganda and Tanzania, the construction of a 1.8-kilometre railway line linking the Kisumu port to the Kenya Pipeline Corporation depot, and the establishment of a multimodal transport system that amalgamates road, rail, and water transport. This integrated system will enable the conveyance of goods via the Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Naivasha, thereafter by Meter Gauge Railway to Kisumu, and finally shipped across the lake to Uganda and northern Tanzania.

Such infrastructural advancements are set to streamline transport operations, empowering MV Uhuru II to proficiently manage cargo for regional exports and imports. The vessel's integration with Kenya's railway network further amplifies its strategic significance in the realm of regional commerce.

Looking to the future, MV Uhuru II is anticipated to complement the service provided by its forerunner, MV Uhuru I. The vessel's introduction is a reflection of our broader strategic vision for the maritime sector's development, signifying a commitment to not only immediate operational enhancement but also long-term regional economic vitality.