Kenya Shipyards Limited participated in the Nairobi International Trade Fair (NITF) 2023 which took place at Jamhuri Showground between 25 September to 01 October 2023. This is an annual event organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) to give participants a chance to showcase their products and services and their contribution to national development under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA).
The theme of the NITF 2023 show was ‘‘Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth’’ and as such, KSL was able to demonstrate accordingly its mandate and the alignment of its impactful milestones to the said theme.
Kenya Shipyards Limited is a state corporation under the Ministry of Defence established in September 2020 to develop the growth of shipbuilding industry through provision of ship construction, maintenance, repairs, refits, and civil maritime works in a sustainable and efficient manner. As such, in 2019, KSL was able to rehabilitate MV Uhuru I which is a wagon ferry owned by Kenya Railways Corporation. The rehabilitation of MV Uhuru I brought back to operation the vessel which can carry a cargo load of 1,260 tonnes per trip through the 22 wagons with an estimated capacity of 50,000 liters each. A single voyage by MV Uhuru I is equivalent to a displacement of approximately 37 trailer tankers from the road thereby reducing traffic congestion on road infrastructures which simultaneously reduces the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions; increases the sustainability of road infrastructure because of minimal tear and wear; allows for movement of bulk goods through maritime transport and creates a vibrant shipping industry.
Civil and modular maritime works also take the centre stage at KSL since ship construction cannot be undertaken without the necessary infrastructure in place. As such, the supporting infrastructure around the Shipyards and shores are rehabilitated or constructed by KSL engineers and technicians who have the requisite expertise in civil and modular maritime works. This encompasses construction of linkspans, jetties, landing sites, shore protection and offshore structures which were showcased during the trade fair.
Further, Kenya Shipyards Limited was able to showcase the historic construction of MV Uhuru II which was commissioned on 9th October 2023 in Kisumu Shipyard by the President of the Republic of Kenya and the Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, H.E William Samoei Ruto accompanied by his Deputy H.E Rigathi Gachagua. The 100m long cargo vessel with a cruising speed of 14 knots on the shores of Lake Victoria was constructed in a record time of 24 months in partnership with MS Damen Gorichem and fitted with a range of sophisticated systems for safety of life at sea. Construction of MV Uhuru II created employment opportunities for numerous men, women and youths within the lake region. The hull structure is constructed from high-quality steel and skillfully welded to protect the cargo and crew from the elements. The MV Uhuru II construction typifies Kenya’s determination to expand its local manufacturing capabilities, boosting the nation’s naval fleet capacity.
Kenya Shipyards Limited was also able to showcase the newly refitted KNS Shupavu, a naval warship of the Kenya Navy that underwent Rededication ceremony in Mombasa Shipyard in 29 July 2023 graced by the President of the Republic of Kenya and the Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, H.E William Samoei Ruto. KNS Shupavu is an offshore patrol vessel whose role is to ensure protection and security of maritime resources at the coastal region in a world of increased strategic competition. By so doing, the refit got rid of obsolete systems from the vessel to comply with the environmental, regulatory, and the new technological requirements in shipping to ensure vessel seaworthiness, improve its defensive capabilities and increase its service life by 10 years. KSL, in line with the theme, has also provided maintenance and repair to other security agencies such as Kenya Coast Guard Service for their fleet in Mombasa and Kisumu.
Civil and modular maritime works also take the centre stage at KSL since ship construction cannot be undertaken without the necessary infrastructure in place. As such, the supporting infrastructure around the Shipyards and shores are rehabilitated or constructed by KSL engineers and technicians who have the requisite expertise in civil and modular maritime works. This encompasses construction of linkspans, jetties, landing sites, shore protection and offshore structures which were showcased during the trade fair.
Other major milestones showcased by KSL at the NITF 2023 included the dredging of the Mbita causeway and Kisumu Port which ensures the required depth is maintained for safe navigation and maneuvering of vessels and at the same time protect the shores from the rapid growth of water hyacinth and other invasive species that would otherwise render the lake unnavigable. KSL has also partnered with Kenya Railways Corporation to remanufacture and rehabilitate its locomotives. By so doing, the rail transport and connectivity is enhanced to complement water transport in freight of bulk commodities and passengers alike. The remanufactured locomotives have modern propulsion systems that facilitate fuel optimization and speed optimization.
Vessel maintenance, repairs and overhaul activities undertaken by KSL were not left out during the exhibition especially for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government of Kenya that have maritime assets. KSL services are currently offered to the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guards Service (KCGS), Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Kenya Fisheries, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Power and Lighting Company.
Finally, KSL Corporate Social Responsibilities activities arising from sustainable runs in Homabay County to HIV/AIDs sensitization workshops, disaster preparedness training, PPE inductions and medical camps undertaken were showcased. Similarly, KSL’s occupational health, safety and environment initiatives that ensure employees health, waste management mechanisms, fire safety drills, environmental conservation across the Shipyards were also showcased.
