Ruto heaps praise on Uhuru as he launches locally made ship

President William Ruto during the commissioning ceremony of MV Uhuru II at the Kisumu Shipyard on October 09, 2023. [Michael Mute, Standard] Efforts by the government to stamp its authority in maritime transport and logistics in Lake Victoria received a boost on Monday following the commissioning of the 1800-ton MV Uhuru II. President William Ruto commissioned the Sh2.4 billion ship that was locally assembled and emphasised on the government's commitment to turn Kenya into a shipbuilding powerhouse. The move is a major breakthrough in the quest by the government to slice a huge chunk of shares of East Africa's maritime trade circuit involving Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. "Today, we are commissioning a wholly newly built marine vessel and once again demonstrating the ability of Kenya Shipyards to build, prepare and maintain ships for locals, original and possible international operators," said Ruto. The commissioning of MV Uhuru II is among the initiatives the government has prioritised as competition for cargo transported through the lake gathers momentum. The ship is expected to complement its sister, MV Uhuru, currently the mainstay of maritime operations in Lake Victoria. The construction of MV Uhuru II started in May 2021 and was completed in 24 months. The 100-meter MV Uhuru II vessel, with a capacity of carrying up to 22 wagons and an estimated two million litres of crude oil per trip, is the first ship to be assembled by Kenyans in the country. The president described the project as a major milestone in the country's journey of economic transformation. "The work of building this new vessel and upgrading Kisumu Shipyard has been undertaken by Kenya professionals in a project which provided many young people with practical ship-building skills through apprenticeship and on-the-job training and was completed within 24 months and within its budget," he said. He praised former President Uhuru Kenyatta for coming up with the idea to construct a Shipyard in Kisumu. "I must congratulate my predecessor, President Kenyatta, for his foresight in coming up with this shipyard," he said. "One morning, he asked me to visit Kisumu to see what the military could do. We came here, and it was a heap of dirt and wreckage. What we see today is a great change. I must thank President Kenyatta and the leadership of the military for this foresight," he added. MV Uhuru II at the Kisumu Shipyard on October 09, 2023. [Michael Mute, Standard] The President noted that the Kenya Shipyard is quickly emerging as a leading centre of shipbuilding and maritime excellence. Kenya Shipyard Managing Director Brigadier Paul Otieno said the ship construction serves as an example and testament to the spirit of innovation, commitment, teamwork, craftsmanship and collaboration that defines their organisation. The MD explained that the genesis of the vessel's construction arose from the need to complement MV Uhuru 1 operated by Kenya Railways and constructed in 1965. Brig Otieno said together, the two ships now boast of a capacity to transport more than 2200 tonnes of petroleum, other liquids and loose cargo. The MD noted that MV Uhuru II was built under strictly approved international standards and specifications. "The vessel underwent rigorous Lake worthiness trials, cargo load testing and safety tests to ensure the highest safety and quality standards. The construction of the vessel represents a monumental stride in harnessing our industrial potential to posture economic growth," added Brig Otieno. newsdesk@standardmedia.co.ke

Ruto heaps praise on Uhuru as he launches locally made ship

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.

Related Topics

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

Ruto heaps praise on Uhuru as he launches locally made ship

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Stand With Bold Journalism. Stand With The Standard.

Related Topics

Trending Now

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

Stand With Bold Journalism.
Stand With The Standard.