Fuel supply in the Great Lakes region is poised for a major boost following advanced plans to deploy two more vessels to serve the Lake Victoria region to supply petroleum products pumped by Kenya Pipeline Company from Mombasa to Kisumu for export to inland markets such as Uganda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Currently, six vessels ply Lake Victoria collecting fuel products from the Kisumu Oil Jetty for supply to ports on the shores of the lake.
Kenya Ports Authority, Chairperson, Dr. Steve Mainda, who announced plans to deploy two additional petroleum vessels to the region, said the decision is aimed at enhancing transportation of goods and foster social and economic growth.
“We are in the process of building two more vessels that will operate on Lake Victoria due to the high level of efficiency at Kisumu Port and the strong relationship between Kenya and Uganda,” said Mainda.
He made the remarks when oil tanker MT Elgon made a maiden call on the Port of Kisumu.
The vessel is poised to play a crucial role in transporting fuel products across the Great Lakes region.
Kisumu Port official Charles Kitur noted that the increase in both cargo and petroleum vessels has significantly boosted cargo throughput at Kisumu port.
