Kisumu: Kenya Railways is positioning its Marine Division as a key player in regional logistics, with plans to expand marine transport services across Lake Victoria. With two cargo vessels, MV Uhuru I and the newly commissioned MV Uhuru II, already operating on separate routes, the state corporation is capitalizing on growing demand to open additional maritime corridors.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga stated that the focus on marine transport is part of a broader strategy to enhance intermodal logistics and revitalise Kisumu Port as a central hub for East African trade. Operations at the rehabilitated Kisumu Port began between 2020 and 2021. Mainga highlighted the transformation of the area, which was previously overgrown with grass and weeds, and credited government support for the successful rehabilitation process.
In an interview with KNA, Mainga detailed the Marine Division's operations, including a partnership with Gulf Energy to transport 1.1 million litres of fuel from the Kenya Pipeline depot in Kisumu to Jinja, Uganda. Since then, traffic has expanded with MV Uhuru II ferrying steel, fertiliser, and cement to Uganda and Tanzania. The vessel operates three trips a week, enhancing delivery from Mombasa to Mwanza (Tanzania), Jinja (Uganda), and Port Bell (Uganda).
Mainga noted that accessing Mwanza directly from Kisumu has proven profitable, with goods shipped to Tanzania through the Port of Kisumu. Kenya Railways is also in negotiations with Tanzania to begin operations at Bukoba, further expanding its reach in East Africa.
Ongoing repairs at the Kijabe-Longonot Metre Gauge Railway line, which was damaged by heavy rains, are nearing completion. Mainga projects rapid growth in cargo volumes, justifying the opening of more destinations. The Kenya Ports Authority is constructing landing sites and piers along five counties, increasing the demand for lake cargo movement.
Mainga emphasized the efficiency of lake transport, offering a cheaper and faster alternative for exports to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initiative is expected to ease road and railway congestion and create job opportunities in Kisumu and surrounding areas.
MV Uhuru II Captain Terry Meringo stated that the vessel could handle up to five trips a week, contingent on increased trade volumes. He stressed the need for route demarcation to prevent accidents with fishing boats and called for awareness to avert loss of lives.