MV UHURU II WAGON FERRY
It was a significant and special occasion on Thursday, 19 September 2024, at Kisumu Shipyard when Kenya Shipyards Limited officially handed over the newly constructed 100m Wagon Ferry christened MV Uhuru II to the Kenya Railways Corporation. The handover ceremony signifies that the vessel met all its contractual performance requirements which is a true testament of KSL’s commitment to its vision. The Wagon Ferry is not just a vessel, it is a capability and a national asset. The handover ceremony was graced by the Cabinet Secretary of Defence, Hon Roselinda Soipan Tuya and Cabinet Secretary of Roads, Transport and Public Works, Hon Davis Chirchir. Managing Director Kenya Shipyards Limited, Major General Said M. Farah did officially sign off MV Uhuru II Wagon Ferry to Kenya Railways Managing Director, Mr Philip Mainga.
The CS Defence noted with immense pride and a deep sense of accomplishment that Kenya Shipyards Limited through hard work and dedication have been able to construct MV Uhuru Wagon Ferry for Kenya Railways Corporation for the very first time in Kenya.
Also in attendance was the Governor of Siaya HE James Orengo, the Dep Governor Kisumu Dr. Mathew Owili, the Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Omenda, Principal Secretary of Transport Mr Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary of Defence Mr Patrick Mariru, Service Commanders, Members of Parliament, KSL Board of Directors, KRC Board of Directors among other esteemed dignitaries.
The Wagon Ferry was classified by Lloyds Register and achieved the international quality standards of the IMO. Equipped with a cruising speed of 12 knots, the modern vessel is fitted with a range of integrated and real time advanced systems for its safe and efficient operation. Its construction adhered to strict design and outfitting as seen from its hull, piping system, advanced engines, communication and navigation system, electrical system, and firefighting system.
With Blue Economy as a priority sector in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the ship is set to sail under the Kenyan flag and ply the Eastern African countries navigation routes through the Lake Victoria. This underscores KSL shared commitment with the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs to sustainably harness the Blue Economy sector through shipbuilding, maritime security, shipping and maritime transport.
Since the construction of MV Uhuru I in the 1960s, this is a historic, vital and newest addition to the maritime vessel fleet of the Kenya Railways Corporation and will augment MV Uhuru I in meeting the increased demand for cargo transportation through the Lake by bringing the cargo capacity from the Port of Kisumu to above 3,060 tonnes. The construction of MV Uhuru II was preceded by the rehabilitation of MV Uhuru I by KSL which had been earmarked for disposal.
Construction began in 2021 under the strict supervision of Kenya Shipyards Limited, Damen Group and Lloyd’s Register. The ceremony comes after rigorous ongoing training of the KRC staff aboard the vessel by Kenya Shipyards Limited staff.
