This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
Published on October 18, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta welcomed the MV Uhuru back to the Kisumu port, marking a significant milestone in the port's renovation.
The 1,400-tonne cargo ship, owned by Kenya Railways, had been grounded for nearly 15 years. Its return is expected to boost trade ties between Kenya and other regional countries.
During its heyday, the MV Uhuru used to rake in Sh2 million for every round trip to Mwanza in Tanzania and Port Bell in Uganda. The vessel will now operate under the management of Immediate former Kisumu port manager Mwalimu Disi, who has been appointed as the MV Uhuru manager.
Mr Disi will oversee the running of the vessel with the help of 23 technical staff, including captains, naval engineers, and other crew members. The return of the MV Uhuru is expected to boost Kenya Pipeline Company's regional business by raising fuel exports from its Sh1.7 billion oil jetty.
Gradual repair works on the vessel began in 2009, and it is expected to rake in Sh17 million per month at the height of its operations.
