From Kisumu Port, two powerful vessels are reconnecting East Africa through sustainable water transport.
Did you know that Kenya Railways operates two powerful vessels, MV Uhuru I and MV Uhuru II, on Lake Victoria, connecting Kenya, Uganda, and beyond? Operating from Kisumu Port, these vessels are the backbone of a regional logistics network that is transforming how goods move across East Africa .
A Revival of Lake Transport
For decades, Lake Victoria’s potential as a logistical corridor remained underutilized. That changed with the revitalization of Kisumu Port and the operationalization of both MV Uhuru I and the newly built MV Uhuru II . The port’s rehabilitation began around 2019, transforming an area that was completely overgrown into a thriving logistics hub .
The first major operation took place between 2020 and 2021 in partnership with Gulf Energy, transporting fuel from Kenya Pipeline to the Port of Jinja in Uganda . Today, the port is a hive of activity, with cargo volumes surging from 116,578 metric tonnes in 2023 to 280,381 metric tonnes in 2024 .
MV Uhuru I & II: Key Specifications
| Detail | MV Uhuru I | MV Uhuru II |
|---|---|---|
| Built / Rehabilitated | Built 1965, rehabilitated 2019 | Built 2023, commissioned October 2023 |
| Length | – | 100 metres |
| Deck Space | 1,800 sq metres | 1,800 sq metres |
| Capacity | Up to 1,180 – 1,400 tonnes | 1,063 – 1,800 tonnes |
| Typical Cargo | Petroleum products, steel, fertiliser, grain, cement | Steel, fertiliser, cement, fuel, grain |
| Voyages | Approx. 3 trips/week | Approx. 3 trips/week |
MV Uhuru II, a KSh 2.4 billion vessel, was built entirely in Kenya by Kenya Shipyards Limited under the Ministry of Defence, marking a significant milestone in the country’s shipbuilding prowess . The project saved taxpayers KSh 1.3 billion in import costs and enhanced local technical capacity .
The Cargo That Keeps East Africa Moving
The MV Uhuru vessels transport essential cargo that fuels industries and communities across the region, including:
🏗️ Steel billets and hot rolled coils for construction and manufacturing
🍚 Sugar and grain bulk for food supply
🛢️ Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and petroleum products for energy
🧱 Cement and iron sheets for infrastructure development
🌾 Fertiliser for agriculture and food production
The vessels serve the Ports of Jinja, Port Bell (Uganda), and Mwanza (Tanzania), completing the logistics chain from the Port of Mombasa to Lake Victoria .
Economic Impact & Regional Integration
The MV Uhuru vessels are not just moving cargo – they are moving economies and strengthening last-mile connectivity.
| Impact Area | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Regional Trade | Boosting trade between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania |
| Job Creation | Creating employment opportunities in maritime and logistics sectors |
| Supply Chain Efficiency | Offering a faster, cheaper alternative to road transport (9 hours to Uganda via lake vs. 10-24 hours by road) |
| Economic Integration | Linking the Northern and Southern Corridors of East Africa |
“With every voyage, MV Uhuru I and II are not just moving cargo – they’re moving economies and reconnecting East Africa through sustainable water transport.”
Looking Ahead
Kenya Railways is positioning its Marine Division as a key player in regional logistics, with bold plans to expand marine transport services across Lake Victoria. The corporation is exploring additional routes, including Bukoba in Tanzania, to further spread its wings in the East African region .
As the demand grows, the lake route is expected to play an increasingly vital role in transporting exports to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo .
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