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. Over four days of regional commemorations, we reflected on that journey, celebrated the communities who walk with us, and reaffirmed our commitment to grow the maritime industry for Kenya and the region.
Guided by the theme, Crafted by Hands, Driven by Heart, Five Years of Shipbuilding Mastery, the anniversary activities ran from 26 to 29 September 2025. The events were planned to be both a celebration and a service, a time for sport and for sharing, and a moment to show how KSL is building people as well as ships.
Reaching out first, caring at the core
Our commemorations began with community health outreach. On 26 September, while making a generous donation for medications, KSL held a free medical camp at the Spinal Bifida Centre in Likoni. Families from the area turned out in large numbers. Partnering with Kenya Navy and Old Mutual Group, doctors, nurses and volunteers provided consultations and treatment throughout the day and helped make basic health services more accessible to the community.
On 27 September the community work continued. In Kisumu, our medical team set up a comprehensive free clinic at Dunga Health Centre, in conjunction with the Kisumu County Ministry of Health, PathCare Laboratory, Baus Optical and Lake Dental. Hundreds of people received medical checks, dental care and eye screenings, often for the first time in months. The partnership with county health teams and private providers brought real, measurable relief to many families.
At the same time our Headquarter and Kenya Railways Workshop team travelled to Nakuru for a heartfelt visit to the Holy Family Children’s Home. Our staff prepared meals, gave generously through donations, and spent the day playing games, sharing stories, singing and dancing, and celebrating with the children. The laughter and warmth of that visit reminded everyone why we chose to pair celebration with service.
Kisumu at the centre of the celebrations
The official commemoration on 29 September 2025 was celebrated across all our sites, with Kisumu hosting the main event. With the lakefront view, Kisumu offered a day that mixed competition, community and ceremony.
The morning kicked off with competitive cycling events. Riders contested a 4-kilometre intermediate race and a 27-kilometre elite race. The races tested endurance and team spirit, and the winners earned well deserved recognition. David Ochieng took first place in the 4-kilometre category, Erick Otieno finished second and Nelson Mbaya placed third. In the elite 27-kilometre ride, Brian Odhiambo won first place, Sylvester Otieno finished second and Enock Morgan was third.
When the cyclists returned, the waters of Lake Victoria came alive with boat racing. All participating beaches received recognition for their involvement, reinforcing a spirit of inclusivity and celebration. Rota emerged position 1, Rare position two, Mawembe was third, Ngege forth and Paga emerged position 5. Other than cash awards and trophies, all participating teams received four life jackets each.
During the official program, Major General Said Farah, our Managing Director, led a tree planting ceremony alongside Brigadier Peter Muthungu, the Head of Production. The ceremony was a symbolic reminder that our growth must be sustainable and rooted in the communities that host us. Team building activities brought employees, partners and residents together in friendly competition and shared laughter.
The afternoon was highlighted by the Managing Director’s address and the formal recognition of competition winners. The program closed with music, food and a ceremonial cake cutting that brought the entire community together.
Celebrations in Mombasa and Nairobi
In Mombasa, the anniversary celebrations began with a symbolic unity walk by KSL staff. Starting at the Likoni Ferry, the team made their way through Moi Avenue with chants and cheer, marking the spirit of togetherness that has defined the company’s journey over the last five years.
The official program kicked off once the staff returned to the shipyard. The yard came alive with spirited team-building games that brought laughter and healthy competition. From sack races and spoon-and-egg relays to tug of war and dance-offs, staff showcased not only their energy but also the camaraderie that makes KSL a family.
The day’s formal session was led by Brigadier Oguga, who graced the event as Guest of Honour. Delivering a warm speech on behalf of the Managing Director, he commended the staff for their dedication and underscored KSL’s role in advancing shipbuilding and the Blue Economy. GM MRO, Colonel Mutiso, also gave his remarks, celebrating the teamwork and resilience that have been key to KSL’s success. The event concluded with shared meals, cake cutting, live music, laughter, and light banter that filled the shipyard with joy. It was a fitting close to a day that celebrated both KSL’s five-year journey and the people whose dedication continues to drive its success.
Similarly, at the Headquarters in Nairobi, the anniversary celebrations took on a vibrant tone. Staff gathered at the Kenya Railways Workshop Grounds for a free medical camp, organized in partnership with Old Mutual Group. The initiative gave employees and members of the wider community access to vital healthcare services, underscoring KSL’s commitment to wellness and social impact. After the medical camp, the celebrations continued at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, where staff engaged in a lively day of team-building activities. From games and challenges that strengthened teamwork to lighthearted moments of camaraderie, the activities reinforced the unity and spirit that define the KSL family.
The day came to a close with a shared meal and cake cutting, a simple yet symbolic reminder of both collective achievement and shared purpose. Laughter, conversation, and cheerful celebration carried the moment, leaving participants with a renewed sense of pride and belonging.
Milestones of delivery and partnership
At the heart of the celebrations, we paused to recognize what had been achieved. We have expanded capacity at our Shipyards in Kisumu and Mombasa, and we have delivered projects that speak to progress. The landmark MV Uhuru II Wagon Ferry was designed and built locally, and it has redefined cargo transport and trade on Lake Victoria. We have completed mid-life refits of naval vessels, built patrol boats, tugboats and ferries, rehabilitated locomotives, dredged port channels, and supported counties with Glass Reinforced Plastic fishing boats, landing sites and piers. These projects have strengthened local economies, improved regional connectivity and contributed to the Blue Economy.
None of this would have been possible without strong partnerships. KSL recognizes its clients including Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Railways Corporation, Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya National Shipping Line, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Bandari Maritime Academy, KPLC, National Irrigation Authority, Kisumu County, Siaya County, Homabay County, Busia County, and Migori County for their trust in our workmanship. KSL also acknowledges the trust by our private clients, including Azam Marine Ltd from Dar es Salaam, and our international partners such as Damen Shipyards, Karnafully and SMH Rail whose technology transfer and cooperation have helped build local capacity.
We also thank our event partners and supporters. National Defence University – Kenya, National Bank, Cooperative Bank, I&M Bank, Baus Optical, PathCare Laboratory, Lake Dental Kisumu, and Old Mutual partnered with us across the commemoration to deliver services and to support community activities.
Gratitude to the people who make KSL work
We extend our deepest appreciation to the Government of Kenya for the strategic support and our staff, whose dedication and professionalism have powered KSL’s growth. The Managing Director reminded everyone that our greatest achievement is not found in steel or statistics. In his address he said, “It is found in the spirit of our people, the welders, engineers, project managers and naval architects who rise each morning with a shared belief that Kenya can, and must, chart its own course in the global maritime arena.”
“Our greatest achievement is not found in steel or statistics. It is found in the spirit of our people. We have contributed to national security. We have advanced regional integration and global partnerships. We have created jobs, empowered youth, and inspired a new generation to dream in blue. Happy Fifth Anniversary, Kenya Shipyards Limited. The voyage has just begun.” the MD remarked.
A celebration rooted in service and promise
The week of events captured what KSL stands for. We celebrated not just projects, but people. We celebrated community partnerships and the daily work that transforms plans into tangible outcomes. We celebrated the belief that local industry can deliver quality, create jobs and shape a better future for Kenya. As we move forward, our commitment remains firm. KSL will continue to catalyze the shipbuilding industry across Eastern Africa. We will deepen technical skills, strengthen partnerships and invest in sustainable practices that protect the environment while growing the industry. The five-year milestone is an invitation to persevere and to scale what we have started.
Crafted by hands, driven by heart, we look to the future with confidence, determination and gratitude.
