The Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) has commenced the construction of a shallow draught public ferry in Kisumu in a bid to ease water transport within the Lake Basin region.
Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya while overseeing the laying of the keel for the construction work noted that the move is part of an elaborate framework by the government to fully harness the blue economy potential offered by Lake Victoria.
The 29 meters long public ferry will be constructed within two months and the commissioning is expected at the end of July.
Once complete, the vessel is expected to ease transport services within the lake basin region by connecting the riparian counties of Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, and Migori.
Tuya said the move was a testament to government’s commitment to harnessing the blue economy which is intended to grow from the current Ksh 37 billion annually to at least Ksh 150 billion by 2030.
The public ferry being constructed by the KSL in partnership with a Bangladesh ship-building company Karnafuly for their client the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will offer cost effective transport services on Lake Victoria in part of Kenya’s quest to become a maritime powerhouse on the continent and beyond
