Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir during the hand over of Sh2.4 billion MV Uhuru II vessel from Kenya Shipyard Limited to Kenya Railways in Kisumu on September 19, 2024. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Chirchir noted that MV Uhuru I has already transported more than 7 million litres of petrol in a span of two years which is only 0.3 percent of the market share, which means the new ship will expand the country's market share.

"As you are aware, the waterway is the cheapest transport that we can leverage on and be a competitive economy. With respect to infrastructure and regional connectivity MV Uhuru II operation has commenced at a time when the government has implemented significant infrastructure investment around Kisumu port," he said.

The Transport CS acknowledged that the combined efforts of MV Uhuru I and MV Uhuru II will enhance mobility efficiency while ensuring rapid economic growth.

"This will not only support the Kenya vision 2023 but will also help improve to connect the corridors-Uganda and Tanzania-in order to support long-term development," he noted.
MV Uhuru II will complement MV Uhuru, which was revived two years ago and has been hauling oil products to Uganda.