Kenya Shipyards Limited’s award-winning display showcased how home-grown maritime engineering is opening new possibilities for trade, mobility and livelihoods.
Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) emerged among the standout exhibitors at the 2026 Nairobi International Trade Fair (NITF), clinching first position in the Best Medium Trade Stand category and reinforcing its growing place in Kenya’s maritime and blue economy landscape.
The recognition capped a strong week for the State corporation, which also secured second position in The Most Striking Display (demonstration of locally manufactured products) Stand and second place in The Best Local Manufacturers’ (non-consumable) Stand. KSL also finished fourth in the Best Stand Exhibiting Blue Economy Innovations and Inventions category.
Held at the ASK Jamhuri Showground in Nairobi from September 28 to October 4, the fair brought together government agencies, manufacturers and businesses under the theme “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.” KSL exhibited under the larger Ministry of Defence stand through the Defence National Security Industries.
For KSL, the exhibition offered more than a platform for awards. It was an opportunity to show visitors how maritime engineering can translate into safer transport, stronger trade links and better access to markets for communities living around Kenya’s waters.
Among the projects drawing attention was a shallow-draught ferry under construction for Lake Victoria. Described by KSL as the first public passenger ferry on the lake, the vessel is expected to connect Homa Bay with island communities and other counties along the shoreline, improving movement of people and goods across the basin.
KSL also showcased its fibre-reinforced boat portfolio, including vessels that can be customised for artisanal fishing and emergency response. Water ambulances being constructed for Lamu and Homa Bay county governments demonstrated how local manufacturing can respond to practical transport and safety needs in waterfront communities.
The display further highlighted civil maritime works at Sio Port in Busia, Usenge in Siaya, Homa Bay Pier and Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori, alongside ongoing dredging at Kisumu Port. These projects are intended to improve navigability, support safer maritime operations and open trade corridors around Lake Victoria.
Chief of Research and Development at Defence National Security Industries Brig B M Kikech said the projects reflected a wider ambition to turn Kenya’s maritime resources into economic opportunities. “These projects form part of our maritime heritage to unlock the immense potential of inland waters and the EEZ and integrate our local economies into the broader African market,” she said.
Director General of Defence National Security Industries Maj Gen Faustino Lobal said investment in maritime assets must ultimately improve people’s lives. “Through construction of maritime assets like the shallow draught ferry, we are creating opportunities for trade, jobs and sustainable livelihoods for our people,” he said.
Beyond new construction, KSL presented its maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities for the Kenya Navy, government agencies and private domestic and regional clients – services that help keep vessels seaworthy and fleets operational.
The wider Ministry of Defence stand was named Overall Best Exhibitor in Kenya for the third consecutive year. For six-year-old KSL, its performance at NITF 2026 offered a public glimpse of an expanding capability in ship construction, vessel maintenance, heavy engineering and civil maritime works – and of the role locally developed maritime solutions can play in Kenya’s economic transformation.
