Lake cruiser boats worth Sh16million have been launched in Kisumu to boost tourism and transport in Lake Victoria.
The Marions International LLC director Sammy Maina said lake transport is aimed at improving economic growth within the lake to expand revenue generation.
Speaking during the launch of the boats at Kiboko Bay in Kisumu by Cord leader Raila Odinga, Maina said more boats will be unveiled in counties within the lake region.
Maina, an investor from Boston said the boats are 15-seater and cost Sh15, 000 per hour, translating to Sh1, 000 per person for a ride.
He said they targets wedding photo sessions in the lake, small meetings and simply to enjoy the cool breeze in the lake. He said in the second phase they will launch 30 seater tour boats by April in partnership with hotels in Kisumu and other neighboring counties.
“We are working in partnership with hotels and county governments to ensure available opportunities in the lake are exploited,” he said.
He said they are in talks with hotels in Kisumu, Kakamega, Migori, Homa Bay, Busia and Siaya on how best they can utilised the lake for wealth creation.
Raila urged other counties to partner with the Marions International LLC to improve tourism sector.
He challenged hotels to make use of the boats to promote lake transport and tourism in respective counties along the Lake Victoria.
Raila’s wife Ida, Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga, businessman Ted Odero, ODM Matungu branch chairman Paul Posho were present.
Ruth also urged other counties to partner with the Marions International LLC to exploit more opportunities available in the lake.