This archive report was first published on 14 January 2022.
On January 13, 2022, President Uhuru Kenyatta embarked on a day-long working visit to inspect three mega projects in Naivasha, Kisumu, and Mbita. The President's first stop was the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD), where he witnessed the trans-shipment of container cargo from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR).
During his visit, President Kenyatta took a train ride from Naivasha to Longonot, accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi. He hailed the partnership between Kenya Railways and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for the successful execution of the SGR to MGR container cargo trans-shipment project.
From Longonot railway station, the President flew to Kisumu Port, where he toured the Kisumu Shipyard and inspected the ongoing construction of MV Uhuru II wagon ferry, dry dock, and slipway. The construction of the wagon ferry was commissioned by President Kenyatta and his Burundi counterpart Evariste Ndayishimiye in May 2021.
President Kenyatta's final stop was Mbita, where he inspected the new bridge that replaced the 1983 causeway. The Government is dredging the area to remove massive siltation that has hindered human activities on the lake, including fishing and maritime transport.
Speaking to Mbita residents, the President called for peace and tranquility ahead of the forthcoming polls, emphasizing the importance of national unity. He attributed his 'handshake' with former premier Raila Odinga to this goal.
"We want to continue having peace. We want to continue having unity as Kenyans. This political year, we want Kenyans to be united," the President said.