For decades, Lake Victoria has been a vital source of livelihood for millions across East Africa, but the waters have also claimed thousands of lives due to violent storms, unstable wooden boats, and unsafe fishing conditions. According to the Kenya Maritime Authority, 420 boat accidents were recorded on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria between 2015 and 2025, resulting in over 250 deaths. The major causes of these accidents include overloading, sudden strong winds, lack of life jackets, poorly maintained wooden boats, and untrained boat operators.
To address these challenges, Kenya Shipyards Limited, a state corporation under the Ministry of Defence, has introduced the Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP) boat, a modern, life-saving vessel designed and built by Kenyan marine engineers. The GRP boat is built with an auto-recovery feature that helps it remain afloat even in rough waters. It is lighter, stronger, fuel-efficient, and designed to withstand the demanding conditions of East Africa's waterways. The boats are also fitted with life-saving appliances, including life jackets and emergency safety equipment.
Edward Omol, Business Development Manager for Kenya Shipyards Ltd, highlighted the need for safer vessels on Lake Victoria. "One of the things that has been happening in Lake Victoria is many accidents; unsafe vessels, and particularly the ones that are constructed using wood. A lot of accidents in the waters… one too many lives lost in the waters." He noted that the GRP boat is a modern, safer, lighter, more profitable, environmentally friendly, and easy-to-operate vessel.
George Omondi, a local fisherman and carpenter who specializes in making and repairing wooden boats, acknowledged the limitations of traditional wooden boats. "Ukitengeneza boat unaanzia na mbao na mabati ambayo ni plain sheet na ordinary misumari. Changamoto yake ni kama hujapata mbao haijakomaa, haiwezi kaa muda mrefu." He noted that wooden boats require frequent repairs and can be catastrophic.
The introduction of GRP boats has been welcomed by Kenya's key maritime players, and the innovation is emerging as a powerful African solution to an African challenge. Suzan Odhiambo, Director Fisheries and Blue Economy in Kisumu County, said the county government is working closely with KSL to make as many boats as possible for fishermen on Lake Victoria. "We are still doing the sensitization and making the fishermen buy into the idea of the fibreglass boats."
The demand for GRP boats is high, not only in Kenya but also in other East African countries. Edward Omol noted that with the capacity KSL has, the initial idea was to serve the Kenya Navy, but the demand is huge, and they are already venturing out to other countries. "We were in Zanzibar last week, and the demand is huge. We are getting inquiries for yard services."
The introduction of GRP boats is a significant step towards promoting a safer and more sustainable blue economy in East Africa. As Kenya joins the rest of the world in celebrating World Maritime Day on September 24, 2026, the country's marine engineers are proving that innovation can save lives. The theme for this year's World Maritime Day, "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence," resonates with Kenya's efforts to enhance maritime safety and sustainability.
Key points
- Kenya Shipyards Ltd has introduced Glass-Reinforced Plastic boats to reduce accidents and promote sustainable fishing on Lake Victoria.
- The GRP boat is designed to be safer, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than traditional wooden boats.
- The demand for GRP boats is high, not only in Kenya but also in other East African countries.
