The Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director William Ruto has announced the authority’s plans to launch a ferry service that will transport goods between Homa Bay pier and Sena Pier.
Ruto made the announcement when he was touring Muhuru Bay on Wednesday.
The team from KPA led by Ruto toured Muhuru Bay and Sori Karungu Bay in Migori County to assess the current infrastructure.
KPA in a statement reiterated its commitment to improving and modernising the smaller ports in the Lake Victoria region.
"During the tour, Captain Ruto announced the Authority’s plans to launch a ferry service that will transport goods between Homa Bay pier and Sena Pier which is set to commence once the ferry construction is completed," KPA said.
KPA said the Homa Bay pier which is currently under construction is nearing completion and will feature a jetty, access roads, a ferry ramp, drainage systems, and walkways.
"The Authority is aiming to tap into the potential of lake transportation, which will provide a significant boost to various commercial sectors, including fishing and cruise tourism."
Early this year, KPA revealed plans for a massive upgrade of its facilities with the aim of facilitating the rise of operations in the Coastal region, especially the ports.
Ruto disclosed that currently the Terminal Operating System (TOS) is already being upgraded.
He said the process is aimed at increasing the capacity at the Port of Mombasa.
The Mombasa port is the gateway for landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.
The port has witnessed major improvement through multi-billion infrastructural, technology and modern equipment investments.
The new port infrastructure developments are coming at a time when the Kenyan port is facing increasing competition from the port of Dar-Es-Salaam.
KPA however, is confident that the project will firmly strengthen the new era of the port as a critical transport and logistics hub in the region.
