Construction of Lake Victoria Public Ferry Nears Completion [Photos]

Construction of a new public ferry for Lake Victoria is nearing completion, with the vessel expected to improve the movement of people and cargo between Mfangano Island and the mainland in Suba North.

In a statement on Friday, September 11, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the ferry was being constructed to address transportation needs for residents and support the movement of goods between the island and the mainland.

She inspected the progress of the vessel during a visit to the Kenya Shipyard Limited (KSL) Kisumu Station, where she was accompanied by leaders from the Mfangano Development Forum (MDF).

Wanga said the inspection was aimed at assessing the progress of the project as the ferry neared completion.

"The construction of the Lake Victoria public ferry is nearing completion. This ferry is designed to improve transportation for people and cargo between Mfangano Island and mainland Suba North," the statement read.

Wanga said the project would provide an important transport link for residents of Mfangano Island and surrounding areas, particularly in facilitating access to the mainland and easing the movement of cargo.

She noted that the construction was being undertaken at KSL Kisumu Station, where she met the team responsible for delivering the vessel.

"Visited the Kenya Shipyard Limited (KSL) Kisumu Station, accompanied by the leadership of the Mfangano Development Forum (MDF), to inspect the progress on the ferry," she added.

Wanga also commended the KSL team for its work on the vessel, describing the ferry as an important project for the people who rely on water transport between Mfangano Island and the mainland.

"I commend Brigadier Peter Muthungu, the Production Manager at KSL, and his team for their efforts in delivering this vital vessel to improve the lives of our people," she concluded.

This comes weeks after Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo announced that the Bomas International Convention Complex (BICC) is nearing completion. 

In an update on Friday, August 21, he said final interior works and external finishes at the complex are progressing steadily.

"Under the supervision of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Engineers, the BICC is nearing completion, with tiling, glazing and roofing progressing alongside final interior works, external finishes and access roads," Omollo said.

Omollo noted that once completed, BICC will attract business tourism and Kenya's rich cultural and wildlife heritage into one destination. 

He also said the complex will position Nairobi as a competitive global commercial capital and strengthen Kenya’s appeal as a destination for business tourism.

"Such infrastructure is critical to reimagining Nairobi as a competitive global commercial capital, rather than merely a regional transit point," he added.

BICC, which covers more than 323,500 square meters, will feature an 11,000-delegate convention arena with 35 meeting rooms, a 5,000-seat main auditorium and a 3,500-seat secondary hall. 

The facility will also have a Presidential Pavilion for up to 30 Heads of State and a 3,000-capacity banquet hall. 

Omollo mentioned that future phases of the development will introduce luxury hotels, a shopping mall, food court, recreational facilities, a heliport and extensive parking.