Gov't accelerates blue economy investments to transform Lake Victoria fishing industry

The investments, spearheaded by President William Ruto's administration, are aimed at increasing fishermen's incomes, reducing post-harvest losses, improving access to markets and unlocking the economic potential of the lake.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the government was implementing a comprehensive development programme that includes nine modern fish landing sites, new piers, improved transport networks and additional security personnel.

Speaking during an engagement with Beach Management Units (BMUs) and the business community in Migori County, Omollo said the government was prioritising infrastructure and equipment to make fishing a more profitable and sustainable economic activity.

"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.

The PS pointed to ongoing construction at Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County and other fish landing sites around Lake Victoria, saying the modern facilities would feature cold storage rooms, hygienic fish handling areas and improved trading infrastructure.

The facilities are expected to help fishermen preserve their catch, reduce post-harvest losses and secure better returns from their businesses.

The government is also expanding water transport infrastructure, with the Homa Bay facility completed and construction ongoing at Usenge in Siaya County. Planned developments include piers at Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena on Mfangano Island.

Omollo added that a public ferry in Kisumu was nearing completion and would improve passenger movement, facilitate trade and strengthen connectivity among communities around the lake.

Alongside infrastructure investments, the government plans to deploy additional police and security officers and increase patrol boats on Lake Victoria 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.

The additional resources are expected to strengthen surveillance, improve border patrol operations and protect fishermen operating in Kenyan waters.

"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," he said.

"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."

The PS acknowledged persistent security challenges affecting fishing communities, particularly around Migingo Island and areas bordering Uganda and Tanzania.

He also called for the modernisation of patrol operations, noting that traditional wooden boats presented safety risks during security operations.

The government's blue economy agenda also includes improving access to markets through the construction of more than 600 markets across the country.

Omollo said the modern markets would have electricity, water and cold storage facilities to help traders preserve their products, reduce losses and minimise exploitation by middlemen.

He further disclosed that President Ruto was expected to visit the Lake Victoria region in the coming weeks to launch construction of the approximately 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road, stretching from Migori to Busia.

The road project, alongside the revival of stalled construction works and development of new road networks, is expected to improve connectivity between fish landing sites, markets and commercial centres.

Omollo said the fishing industry deserved the same level of government attention and investment extended to coffee, tea, dairy and sugarcane farmers, noting that fishing communities played an important role in the country's economic transformation.

Beyond infrastructure and security, the PS urged Beach Management Units to strengthen their savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs) through increased membership, transparent financial management and improved governance.

He said training SACCO officials in financial management and accountability would help safeguard members' savings and ensure resources were directed towards expanding fishing businesses and related economic activities.

Omollo also encouraged fishing communities to diversify their livelihoods through complementary ventures such as integrated poultry farming.

On healthcare, he highlighted the government's Taifa Care programme, saying more than 33 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He said the programme was intended to protect households from the financial burden of medical expenses and ensure fishermen, traders and other Kenyans could access healthcare without selling their businesses, land or livestock.

The PS urged National Government Administration Officers, security agencies and BMU leaders to remain accountable and responsive to the concerns of fishing communities.

He noted that similar engagements had been held with fishing communities in Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya counties as part of a coordinated approach to strengthening the blue economy across the Lake Victoria region.

Omollo was accompanied by Lang'ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, alongside national and county government officials, security officers, BMU representatives and members of the business community.