President Ruto to inaugurate multi-million shilling modern fish market in Homa Bay

President William Ruto will officially hand over the newly constructed modern fish market in Koginga, Homa Bay County, to fish traders on Friday.

The facility set up at about Ksh.345 million is now ready for occupation by over 2,000 fish traders from the county and its surrounding areas.

According to Ms. Lilian Kieni, Director of Urban Development at the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the new market offers a clean, organised, and dignified space for fish handling and trading. It is equipped with cold storage facilities to reduce spoilage, support value addition, and ultimately increase traders’ income. This, in turn, is expected to boost both local and national revenue.

“This new fish market features a dedicated fish processing area, which will be crucial in harnessing maritime resources for economic empowerment,” Kieni said. “It will provide fish traders, who were previously operating in makeshift structures without proper storage for their perishable goods, with a decent and professional environment to conduct their businesses.”

She added, “We are committed to ensuring that all traders, particularly small-scale vendors like ‘mama samaki,’ have access to well-serviced and dignified trading spaces for their daily activities.”

The modern fish market will feature hygienic and spacious trading areas, retail stalls, a food court, fish processing and cold/dry room storage, as well as gutting and scaling areas.

There will also be a mooring deck and fish landing shed for fishermen, along with stores for processed fish. The market is designed with comprehensive facilities, including washrooms, kitchens, and sanitation systems, as well as a high-level water tower and an underground water tank to ensure a reliable water supply.

Adequate lighting has been installed for the market and surrounding areas, and an ICT hub will support digital operations and financial record-keeping. The market also provides mother-and-child facilities and accessible ramps for persons with disabilities (PWDs).