Gov't Unveils Plan to Redevelop Sio Port Pier in Busia [Photos]

The government has unveiled plans to redevelop the Sio Port Pier in Busia County as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure and promote economic activity around the Lake Victoria Basin.

In an update on Thursday, October 1, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project formed part of the government’s Blue Economy agenda which seeks to harness water-based economic opportunities.

"Through its Blue Economy agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the Government is investing in infrastructure to turn this potential into productive economic activity," he wrote.

Omollo said the redevelopment would strengthen the role of Sio Port Pier as an important facility for commerce and connectivity in the region.

"The redevelopment of Sio Port Pier in Busia County is part of this effort, positioning the lakeside facility as a stronger gateway for commerce and connectivity," he added.

Omollo said the redevelopment will introduce several facilities aimed at improving operations at the port, including infrastructure for cargo handling, passenger services, navigation and agencies involved in trade and border operations.

"The project includes a modern pier and jetty, strengthened waterfront, improved navigation channels, cargo handling and storage facilities, a passenger waiting area and offices for agencies supporting trade and border operations," he further said.

According to Omollo, the project will also have separate berthing areas for small boats and commercial vessels. 

The arrangement is expected to improve safety and efficiency for different categories of vessels operating on the water.

Omollo said the project was being implemented by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), with construction being undertaken by Kenya Shipyards Limited.

"Implemented by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and constructed by Kenya Shipyards Limited, the development will support inland water transport, cross-border trade and new livelihoods around the Lake Victoria Basin," he concluded.

This comes weeks after the Shimoni Fish Port in Kwale County was handed over to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) following the completion of construction. 

In a statement on Saturday, August 1, Omollo said the facility is the country's first industrial maritime hub dedicated entirely to commercial fishing and fish processing.

"As the country's first industrial maritime hub dedicated exclusively to commercial fishing and fish processing, the facility is expected to transform the coastal fisheries sector and strengthen Kenya's position in regional and international seafood markets," the statement read. 

Omollo noted that the port has been equipped with modern infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale fish handling, processing, storage, and sustainable maritime operations.

"Designed to handle up to 50,000 metric tons of fish annually, the port features a modern commercial jetty and causeway, a fish processing and value-addition facility, industrial cold storage and ice-making systems, as well as supporting infrastructure for efficient and environmentally sustainable operations," the statement added.

Omollo further said the project also included improvements to community infrastructure to ensure local fishermen and marine tourism operators continue accessing the waterfront while benefiting from the development. 

According to the PS, the project is also expected to create employment and strengthen livelihoods across the fisheries sector.

"The project also upgraded the community jetty, ensuring continued access for artisanal fishers and marine tourism operators. 

"The port is projected to create up to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, opening new economic opportunities for coastal communities and supporting livelihoods across the fisheries value chain," the statement further read.