The Nairobi International Trade Fair 2024 was marked with pomp and color with public and private sector institutions and entrepreneurs each showcasing not only their products and services but how their activities contribute to promoting climate smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth. This is an annual event organized by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) aimed to give an opportunity to institutions both local and international to showcase their contribution to national development priorities under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA).
With six years shy of the Vision 2030, Kenya Shipyards Limited is not left behind in undertaking activities that will realize the goals of Vision 2030.
The KSL exhibition booth played host to VIPs including H.E Rigathi Gachagua the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, the Chief of the Defence Forces and Service Commanders, the Kenya Ports Authority Board Chairman Hon. Dalu Tayari, the ASK Mombasa Branch Chairman Mr. Henry Nyagah among other esteemed visitors.
Kenya Shipyards Limited as a State Corporation under the Ministry of Defence showcased several successfully completed projects among them the Wagon Ferry christened MV Uhuru II of the Kenya Railways Corporation which took its maiden trip to Uganda on 19 September 2024. The Wagon Ferry augments the sister Wagon Ferry MV Uhuru I and as such, both vessels with a total of 3000 tons in cargo will minimize the environmental footprint of GHG emissions through displacement of approximately 74 trailer tankers from the road. This will also reduce traffic congestion on road infrastructure thereby increasing the longevity of road infrastructure because of minimal wear and tear. Shipping caters for movement of bulk cargo across different locations.
Further, Kenya Shipyards Limited was able to showcase the innovative portfolio of glass reinforced polymer (GRP) boats which are locally manufactured in Kisumu shipyard. With a goal to provide affordable and seaworthy locally manufactured artisanal vessels for blue economy sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and maritime transport across the inland waters, KSL came up with these innovations. The GRP prototypes are highly customizable for clients with other specifications, they are corrosion resistant thereby safe for marine life, the material provides an alternative to cutting of trees for boats hence conservation, their life spans up to 25 years and are seaworthy with inbuilt designs of auto recovery mechanisms guaranteeing safety of the fishing crew.
Kenya Shipyards Limited was also able to refit Kenya Navy Ship Shupavu in recent times. It is an offshore patrol vessel whose role is to ensure protection and security of maritime resources at the Kenyan Coast in a world of increased strategic competition. Refits aim at replacing obsolete systems from the vessel to comply with the environmental, regulatory, and technological requirements in shipping. The vessel is thereby ensured of seaworthiness, improve its offensive and 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 and regulatory agencies such as Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Coast Guard Service and Kenya Revenue Authority among other public and private entities.
Civil and modular maritime works were also showcased at the NITF. KSL is currently undertaking civil and modular maritime works in the Phase I of the Homabay Pier Project. This is in conformity with SDG 9 on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. The Homabay Pier will enhance trade across the Lake Victoria Basin by allowing safe landing and berthing of vessels along the Pier. It will also provide shore support to prevent erosion of the land by the lake.
Other major milestones showcased by KSL at the NITF 2024 included the dredging of the Mbita Causeway and Kisumu Port which ensures the required depth of water is maintained for safe navigation and maneuvering of vessels. It also stops the 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. The remanufactured locomotives use diesel electric propulsion mechanisms hence ensuring fuel and speed optimization aided by the modern systems.
Finally, KSL’s Corporate Social Responsibilities activities which include sustainable runs in Homabay County to save the roan antelope hence wildlife conservation efforts, HIV/AIDs sensitization workshops, disaster preparedness and emergency evacuation training, medical camps and waste management training undertaken were showcased.
