The Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) is a state Company under the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Vide Executive Order CAB/GEN.3/1/1 (60) dated 14 August 2020, the National Security Council approved the establishment of Kenya Shipyards Limited to address operational requirements of the Kenya Navy and MDAs and utilize the excess capacity to generate revenue for the Government by tapping into the available local and regional market for construction, repair, and maintenance of ships and provision of other maritime services.
An Executive Order from the National Security Council contained in CAB/GEN.3/1/1(60) dated 14 August 2020 directed MDAs to source maritime products and services from KSL which provides a ready market for KSL.
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The Eastern Coast of Africa has only four shipyards located in Egypt, Djibouti, and South Africa. Initial assessment indicates that these shipyards are fully booked all year round indicating a huge demand that has previously seen Kenya and her neighbors service most of their ships and other mobile maritime assets in Europe and Asia. Maintenance, refits, repairs and new builds in Europe and Asia attract additional charges to the tune of about 15% of the total cost due to logistics and high labor costs.
Craftsmanship that Sets Sail Beyond Boundaries
Kenya shipyards Limited is mainly designed for ship building, however, its roles in support of industry and developmental engineering is prominent. It has a record of service to rail industry and general engineering and has promoted further diversification of its general engineering activities
By Belinda OsoroIn the early morning light of 12 February 2026, MV Ikraam I (IMO 9848962) cut through the waters off Mombasa and entered the Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL)
The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, chaired the 17th Board of Directors Meeting of Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) held on 30 January 2026
Kenya Shipyards Limited turned five. What began as a bold idea in 2020 has in a short time become a driving force in shipbuilding, marine engineering and civil works.
