The Mv-Uhuru also known as Wagon Ferry based in Kisumu port is now active after 13 years of inactivity.
The Mv-Uhuru was renovated and is now transporting petroleum products from the Kisumu Port to Uganda, having made 27 voyages so far.
“During the beginning of Kisumu port there were only three ferries that were transporting within East Africa. In Kenya we had and still have Mv- Uhuru, Tanzania had Mv-Umoja and in Uganda had Mv-Kawa,” said Sudi Mwasinago, managing director Kisumu Port.
After working for many years, Kisumu Port reduced it’s operations making the Mv- Uhuru Ferry inactive in the year 2007.
This reduced transportation activity within the Kisumu Port destroying ferries and machines within the port.
After many years of neglect, the hope of many residents of Kisumu County was rekindled when President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the refurbishing and upgrade of the Kisumu Port to a modern facility, as one of Kenya’s key infrastructure projects expected to drive the country’s economic growth and facilitate expanded trade within the East African Community.
“We are also continuing with activities of renovating Kisumu Port. This port was the heart of Nyanza and the center business to all the countries surrounding Lake Victoria. We’ve said that we are going to revive this port and Kisumu County to get back to business again,” President Uhuru said.
According to the Deputy Managing Director of Kisumu Port Eng. Rashid Salim, the revival of Kisumu Port will be the facelift of Kisumu community.
“During the construction of this port, people in the community helped in the construction and the cutting of trees that were around the area. Others sold meals to the construction workers which gave them business.” He said.
He added that the economy will also improve since everybody will want to do business with them.
The port started being revived in the year 2019 which has created many jobs opportunities to Kisumu community.
By Joy Kyalo
