Kenya is positioned to become a maritime hub following the launch of the Sh2.4 billion MV Uhuru II ferry at Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) in Kisumu County.

Kisumu leaders now want the government to fast-track the opening of the refurbished Kisumu port to boost transportation of goods on Lake Victoria and enable neighbouring counties and country to benefit from blue economy.

Led by Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o, the leaders said they look forward to a revitalised port and re-activation of maritime transport.

Nyong’o hoped that the port would open its doors soon to the public. It is envisaged that the port would see creation of more wealth and employment opportunities for the locals as well as accelerate economic growth and transform the region’s businesses.

President William Ruto, while officiating the inauguration ceremony, said construction of the 100-metre-long vessel was occasioned by the need to complement MV Uhuru I launched by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in August last year and meet the rising demand for the transportation of goods within the Lake Victoria region. He hailed KSL for the milestone, saying that it would position Kenya as a shipbuilding and repair destination in the East Africa region.

Further, he underscored Kenya Shipyards’ ability to build, repair, and maintain ships for the local and regional markets as a reflection of the nation’s commitment to harnessing available resources and talents to meet the region’s growing demand for quality maritime services.

“MV Uhuru II before us is not only a means of transportation but also a catalyst for economic growth and development in our region. It will facilitate trade, create jobs, and open up opportunities for businesses to thrive,” stated the Head of State. Ruto added: “There exist enormous business prospects in the construction, repair, and maintenance of maritime vessels in the region, and I urge KSL to go for these opportunities.”

According to the President, the revival of Kenya’s maritime transport and logistics sector through shipbuilding corroborates with the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which recognises the blue economy as a critical component of sustainable national economic growth.

Speaking at the same event, Managing Director of KSL, Major General. Paul Otieno, noted that MV Uhuru II, which had been constructed from scratch by KSL personnel in conjunction with Damen Gorinchem Company from the Netherlands, would double Kisumu Port’s haulage capacity to over 2,300 tonnes.

“Today is a day of immense pride and accomplishment as we witness the commissioning ceremony of MV Uhuru II, which embodies the relentless spirit of innovation, collaboration, craftsmanship, and teamwork that defines our organisation,” he said. “This marine vessel is more than just a product of steel and machinery; it is a testament to KSL’s capacity to overcome challenges, adapt to changing environments, and conquer the complexities of modern shipbuilding,” noted Otieno.

The vessel, he added, will navigate, connect economies, forge partnerships, and contribute to marine commerce within the East African Community.

Earlier, President Ruto held a cabinet meeting and passed the Privatization Bill at the Kisumu State Lodge. During meeting, the cabinet endorsed the writing off Sh117 billion debts that have saddled the sugar industry for decades.

The sugar firms owe a whopping Sh117 billion in bank loans, tax arrears and penalties, farmers and employees’ dues. They owe banks Sh65 billion, Sh50 billion in taxes and farmers about Sh2 billion.
“The debts are now behind us. What we are waiting to see is a budget Drawn this financial year so that we give money to sugar factories to offset the farmer’s debts and to restart fresh operation on a lean balance sheet, said Ruto.

Ruto acknowledged the two Parliaments or twin House’s resolutions on the reforms sanctioned by the Cabinet for the turnaround of the sugar sector.

He disclosed that the National Treasury is working on waiving tax penalties and interest within 30 days as agreed by the Cabinet.