Refitting of the MV Uhuru was done in 2019 by Kenya Railways and Kenya Defence Forces, after being grounded for 15 years. The vessel was officially relaunched on 31st May, 2021 by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta.
To tap into the petroleum products transportation business from Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) Depot in Kisumu to Uganda through MV Uhuru, Kenya Railways constructed a new 1.8 km railway line to KPC depot.
Operations;
- After rehabilitation, the ship carried the first loaded 22 wagons in December 20th 2019 to Port bell.
- MV Uhuru transports petroleum products from Kisumu Port to Port Bell and Jinja in Uganda.
- Kisumu Port to Port Bell Uganda is 282km taking approximately 17hrs.
- Kisumu Port to Jinja is 244km taking approximately 13hrs.
- Based on availability of 80%, the Vessel can make 10 round trips in a month, between Kisumu Port and Port Bell.
- The vessel can carry 22 tank wagons bringing a total of 1,100,000 litres.
- To date, the ship has made 50 voyages carrying a total of 59,392.63 tones
