Published: March 17, 2026 | Courtesy: Dr. Raymond Omollo & Kenya Shipyards Limited
KISUMU – A major milestone in Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda is taking shape at the Kisumu Shipyard, where Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) is constructing a 29-metre shallow-draft ferry—the first public ferry to be operated by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) on Lake Victoria.
The vessel, now at 50% completion, represents a transformative step in enhancing maritime connectivity across the lake and its island communities.
🚢 Project Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Vessel Type | 29-metre shallow-draft ferry |
| Builder | Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) |
| Operator | Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) |
| Location | Kisumu Shipyard |
| Current Status | 50% Complete |
🔧 Construction Progress
| Work Area | Status |
|---|---|
| 🔩 Welding Works | ✅ Most finalized |
| 🏗️ Structural Joining & Fitting | ✅ Completed |
| 🪑 Passenger Area | ✅ Ready |
| ⚡ Electrical Piping | 🔧 Ongoing |
| 🎨 Painting of Sub-Structural Components | 🔧 Ongoing |
🌍 Strategic Importance
The ferry will bridge a critical gap in public maritime transport, improving connectivity to:
| Destination | County | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 🏝️ Mfangano Island | Homa Bay | Island community access |
| 🌊 Riparian Counties | Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori | Cross-lake connectivity |
🎯 Benefits of the New Ferry
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| 🚢 Public Maritime Transport | First KPA-operated public ferry on Lake Victoria |
| 👥 Improved Access | Island communities connected to mainland services |
| 🏥 Healthcare Access | Easier transport to medical facilities |
| 📦 Trade & Commerce | Movement of goods across the lake |
| 🏞️ Tourism Growth | Boost to island tourism destinations |
| 💼 Job Creation | Employment during construction and operation |
🛥️ Beyond the Ferry: FRP Boat Manufacturing
In addition to large vessel fabrication, Kenya Shipyards Limited also manufactures smaller fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats at the Kisumu Shipyard.
| Boat Type | Uses |
|---|---|
| 🎣 Fishing Boats | Support Lake Victoria’s fishing communities |
| 🚤 Patrol Boats | Security and surveillance operations |
| 🚢 Transport Boats | Passenger and light cargo movement |
📈 Part of the Blue Economy Agenda
This project is a key pillar of the government’s Blue Economy strategy, which seeks to:
✅ Harness the potential of Kenya’s water resources
✅ Create sustainable livelihoods for lakeside communities
✅ Enhance regional integration through maritime transport
✅ Stimulate economic growth in riparian counties
✅ Promote tourism and trade on Lake Victoria
🚗 Connecting to the Lake Region
As maritime transport expands on Lake Victoria, reliable ground connectivity becomes increasingly vital. Afrivibe Rentals provides seamless transport to ferry terminals, ports, and destinations across the region.
We offer:
🚕 Cab services across Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Busia, and Migori
✈️ Airport transfers at Kisumu International Airport
🚗 Car hire with experienced chauffeurs
📍 Point-to-point travel to ferry terminals and island departure points
👥 Group transport for communities and delegations
👉 Book Your Ride via WhatsApp
📞 Call/SMS: 0710899460
🌐 www.kisumuairportcabs.co.ke
Connecting land and lake. One journey at a time.