New Ferry Construction Begins with Keel Laying Ceremony at Kisumu Shipyard

Kenya Makes Waves: Kisumu Shipyard Begins Construction of Lake Victoria's First Public Ferry

Breaking: The keel-laying ceremony for a 29-metre shallow-draught ferry marks Kenya's bold entry into commercial shipbuilding on Lake Victoria.

In a historic moment for Kenya's blue economy, Kisumu Shipyard hosted top government officials on Wednesday for the ceremonial start of construction on Lake Victoria's first-ever public ferry - a project set to revolutionize transport across five riparian counties.

"This vessel heralds a new dawn for Kenyan shipbuilding. We're positioning Kenya as Africa's next marine engineering hub."
- Defence CS Soipan Tuya

Why This Ferry Matters

The 29-meter vessel (Kenya's second locally-built ship) will connect:

• ⛴ Kisumu
• ⛴ Siaya
• ⛴ Homa Bay
• ⛴ Migori
• ⛴ Busia

Economic Ripple Effects

The project under Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda will:

• Create high-value jobs in shipbuilding
• Reduce transport costs by 40% (projected)
• Boost cross-border trade with Uganda/Tanzania
• Support 40 million lake basin residents

"After decades of delays, we're finally getting our lake transport system right. This aligns perfectly with Homa Bay's Madaraka Day blue economy focus."
- Governor Gladys Wanga

Who Was There

• CS Hassan Joho (Blue Economy)
• PS Aden Millah (Maritime)
• DG Dr. Matthews Owili (Kisumu)
• DG Dr. Joseph Mahiri (Migori)
• Maj Gen Mohammed Farah (KSL)

⏳ Project Timeline

December 2025: Expected completion date, just in time for festive season travel across Lake Victoria.

2026: Full operational launch with Kenya Ports Authority management.

How do you think this ferry will change transport in Western Kenya? Share your thoughts below!