Editor's Review
The government is accelerating investments in Lake Victoria's blue economy through the construction of nine modern fish landing sites, new piers and improved market connectivity.
The government is accelerating investments in Lake Victoria's blue economy through the construction of nine modern fish landing sites, new piers, expanded water transport infrastructure and improved market connectivity.
Speaking on Friday, November 6, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the investments were part of a comprehensive development programme by President William Ruto's administration to unlock the economic potential of Lake Victoria, increase fishermen's incomes and position the blue economy as a major contributor to national economic growth.
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He said the Government had prioritised the fishing sector through targeted investments in infrastructure, equipment, training, security and market access.
"The President has been very deliberate, very intentional. He's doing nine fish landing sites on Lake Victoria. He's doing piers so that beyond supporting the fishing industry, he's also making it possible for transport by water to be safe and convenient," Omollo said.
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Omollo highlighted ongoing construction works at Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County and other fish landing sites around Lake Victoria.
The modern facilities will incorporate cold storage rooms, hygienic fish handling areas and improved trading infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and increase returns for fishermen.
On water transport, Omollo outlined several projects at different stages of implementation, including the completed Homa Bay facility, ongoing works at Usenge in Siaya County and planned developments at Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena on Mfangano Island.
The Government was also nearing completion of a public ferry in Kisumu, which is expected to improve passenger movement, facilitate trade and strengthen connectivity between communities around the lake.
Omollo said the investments were not limited to fishing infrastructure but were intended to expand economic opportunities through transport, trade and other activities supported by Lake Victoria.
Security was another key component of the Government's plans, with the PS announcing the deployment of additional police and security officers and patrol boats on the lake before the end of 2026.
Omollo said the decision followed consultations with the leadership of the Border Patrol Unit and the Director General of the Kenya Coast Guard Service, with the additional resources expected to improve surveillance, strengthen border patrol operations and protect fishermen operating in Kenyan waters.
The PS acknowledged persistent security challenges affecting fishing communities, particularly around Migingo Island and areas bordering Uganda and Tanzania, assuring residents that coordinated interventions were being pursued.
"We are going to increase the number of officers that are going to support in securing you as well as securing the lake. We are also going to bring additional patrol boats.
"The commitment I'm giving before the end of this year, you will see increased number of police and security officers. You will also see increased numbers of patrol boats so that we secure you as you undertake your fishing activities," he added.
Omollo also stressed the need to modernise patrol operations by adopting safer vessels fitted with enhanced security features, noting that the continued use of traditional wooden boats presented safety risks.
This comes days after the government unveiled a modernised fish landing site at Nyandiwa Beach in Suba South, Homa Bay County.
In an update on Tuesday, November 3, Omollo said the modernisation of the Nyandiwa Beach fish landing site would improve operations and create better opportunities for communities involved in the fisheries sector.
"The modernisation of Nyandiwa Beach fish landing site in Suba South, Homa Bay County, advances this ambition by upgrading traditional fishing infrastructure to support safer operations, better fish handling and greater value addition across the fisheries value chain," he wrote.
According to Omollo, the project was developed under the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP) and incorporated several modern facilities designed to improve fish preservation, processing and handling.
"The project incorporates solar-powered ice-making facilities, cold storage, hygienic fish-processing bandas and electronic weighing scales," he added.
The upgraded landing site also features a modern jetty, water treatment systems and improved access roads.
Omollo said the investment would extend its benefits beyond the landing site by supporting fishing communities and strengthening the operations of Beach Management Units (BMUs).
"The investment is expected to benefit fishing communities and strengthen the wider network of Beach Management Units (BMUs), creating opportunities to improve incomes, expand fish trade and stimulate economic activity along the lakefront," he further said.
