Govt begins construction of first public ferry on Lake Victoria
By Emmanuel Rono, March 17, 2026Kenya Shipyards Limited has announced that construction of a new 29-meter shallow-draft ferry at the Kisumu Shipyard has reached the 50% completion mark.
The vessel, which will be operated by the Kenya Ports Authority, is set to become the first public ferry service on Lake Victoria, marking a major milestone in enhancing maritime transport in the region.
According to a notice on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, by the Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, the development is part of the government’s efforts to invest in water transport infrastructure.
“As part of the government’s ongoing strategy to harness the Blue Economy, Kenya Shipyards Limited has commenced construction of a 29-metre shallow-draft ferry at the Kisumu Shipyard. The vessel will be the first public ferry operated by Kenya Ports Authority on Lake Victoria,” Omollo said.
Strategy on Blue Economy
He revealed that construction of the vessel is already at an advanced stage, with key structural work nearing completion.
He added that additional technical works are currently underway as the project moves closer to completion.
“The project is now at 50% completion, with most welding works finalized, structural joining and fitting completed, and the passenger area ready. Ongoing works include electrical piping and painting of sub-structural components,” Omollo said.
Movement across Lake Victoria
According to Omollo, once operational, the ferry is expected to boost movement across Lake Victoria, benefiting residents in remote and island areas.
He said it will benefit island communities such as Mfangano Island in Homa Bay County, while also linking the riparian counties of Busia County, Siaya County, Kisumu County, and Migori County.
“The ferry will bridge a critical gap in public maritime transport, improving connectivity to island-rich areas such as Homa Bay County, including Mfangano Island, while linking the riparian counties of Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, and Migori,” Omollo noted.
Beyond the ferry project, Omollo said the Kisumu Shipyard is also playing a role in local boat manufacturing, supporting both transport and fishing activities across the lake.
“In addition to large vessel fabrication, the shipyard also manufactures smaller fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, commonly used for fishing, patrol and transport operations across Lake Victoria,” he concluded.