MV Uhuru II to sail in July as State eyes slice of blue economy sector

MV Uhuru II at the Kisumu port during its unveiling by then-president Uhuru Kenyatta. [Michael Mute, Standard)

Efforts by the government to stamp its authority in maritime transport and logistics in Lake Victoria received a boost following plans to launch the 1,800 tonne MV Uhuru II.

Construction of the Sh2.4 billion ship at the Kisumu Shipyard is at an advanced stage, and the vessel is expected to be launched in July.

Launch of the ship is among the steps the government has prioritised as competition for goods transported through the lake gathers momentum. Speaking at the Kisumu Shipyard during a military industrial exhibition, Kenya Shipyard Managing Director Paul Otieno said the ship will enhance lake transportation in the region.

"We are also in the process of ensuring we bring in capabilities that will ensure a secure and safe environment in terms of just exploitation of the lakes," said Mr Otieno.

Smooth transportation

According to the MD, the ship will be instrumental in improving the transportation of goods and equipment to neighbouring countries.

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 made in Kenya by Kenyans. According to Kenya Shipyard Ltd, assembling the ship locally saved Kenyan taxpayers Sh1.3 billion, an amount that would have been used on imports.

The ship is being built by Kenyan agencies, including experts from the Kenya Defense Forces in partnership with Dutch firm Damen Shipyards.

It will complement MV Uhuru, which was revived about a year ago and has been hauling oil products to Uganda. Already, the ship has hauled more than 30 million litres of fuel to Uganda since its reintroduction. The development comes at a time Uganda has also stepped up efforts to exploit the blue economy's circuit.

In September last year, a Ugandan-flagged 2000-tonne ship was introduced into the Kisumu route to also battle for a share of the promising trade route. The newly dubbed 'Pamba Wagon Ferry' is owned by a private firm, Mango Tree Group, based in Uganda. Mr Otieno said they were working with partner states who are sharing the lake to ensure that they put in place safe environment for maritime trade.

He said the broader picture is to ensure that the country has the right infrastructure to help exploit the potential of the blue economy. "Kenya shipyards is keen on security as we focus on development," said Otieno.

Major General Sabi Muzeyi said: "I want to congratulate KDF for a job well done; we have seen a lot of facilities here that can benefit the whole region including Uganda. I want to assure you that the future for East Africa military forces is great," said Major General Muzeyi.