Kenya celebrated a historic achievement as MV Uhuru II, the first cargo ship constructed locally, embarked on its inaugural voyage, carrying steel cargo to Uganda.
The KES 2.4 billion vessel, built at the Kenya Shipyard in Kisumu by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) with assistance from Dutch company Damen, was officially handed over at a ceremony held on Thursday at the Kisumu Shipyard Limited.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, who presided over the event, underscored the significance of this milestone for Kenya’s maritime sector. “This is a proud moment for our nation,” Tuya stated. “MV Uhuru II represents the strategic vision of our maritime sector. She is a step towards realizing our goals of improving regional connectivity, enhancing trade routes, and positioning ourselves in the East African maritime landscape.”
The ship is expected to significantly increase the cargo capacity of the Kisumu port, which handled 127,000 tonnes of cargo in 2023. Designed to transport both petroleum products and dry cargo, MV Uhuru II boasts a loading capacity of 1,063 tonnes per trip. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir emphasized the ship’s role in enhancing Kenya’s position in the regional maritime industry.
“This vessel is a game changer for our transport network,” said Chirchir. “MV Uhuru II will not only support Kenya’s development under Vision 2030 but will also strengthen its role in economic integration in East Africa by linking the northern corridor and the southern corridor.”
Kenya Railways Corporation Managing Director Philip Mainga outlined the ship’s future operational plans, which aim to improve the Kisumu port’s performance. “Our projections for MV Uhuru II by 2025 are to make at least three voyages per week to Jinja, Port Bell, and Mwanza,” Mainga revealed. “We expect to improve our tonnage and enhance the overall efficiency of our cargo operations.”
The introduction of MV Uhuru II is anticipated to boost the port’s capacity and provide additional employment opportunities in the region. “This is more than just a ship,” Tuya added. “It symbolizes our commitment to building a robust maritime industry that not only serves Kenya but also supports regional growth and integration.”
