The Government is stepping up investments in the blue economy through the construction of modern fish landing sites, expansion of water transport infrastructure, improved market connectivity and strengthened security operations, in a push to make fishing a more profitable and sustainable economic activity.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said the Government is implementing a comprehensive development programme aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Lake Victoria, improving fishermen’s incomes and positioning the blue economy as a key contributor to national economic growth.
Speaking during an engagement with Beach Management Units (BMUs) and members of the business community in Migori County, Dr Omollo said President William Ruto’s administration had prioritised the fishing sector through targeted investments in infrastructure, equipment, training, security and market access.
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“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,” Dr Omollo said.
He highlighted ongoing construction at Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County and other fish landing sites around Lake Victoria. The modern facilities are expected to include cold storage rooms, hygienic fish-handling areas and improved trading infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and increase returns for fishermen.
Dr Omollo also outlined investments in water transport infrastructure, including a completed facility in Homa Bay, ongoing works at Usenge in Siaya County and planned developments at Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena on Mfangano Island.
He said a public ferry in Kisumu was nearing completion and was expected to improve passenger movement, facilitate trade and strengthen connectivity among communities along Lake Victoria.
The PS said the Government’s blue economy strategy extended beyond fishing to include water transport, trade and other economic opportunities associated with the lake.
Government promises stronger security on Lake Victoria
On security, Dr Omollo announced plans to deploy additional police and security officers and increase the number of patrol boats on Lake Victoria before the end of 2026.
He 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 enhance 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. He assured residents that the Government was pursuing coordinated interventions to address their concerns.
“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.”
He stressed the need to modernise patrol operations by adopting safer vessels with enhanced security features, noting that continued reliance on traditional wooden boats presented safety risks.
BMUs urged to strengthen SACCOs
Turning to economic empowerment, Dr Omollo urged Beach Management Units to strengthen their SACCOs through increased membership, transparent financial management and improved governance.
He emphasised the importance of training SACCO officials in financial management and accountability to safeguard members’ savings and ensure resources are channelled towards expanding fishing businesses and related economic activities.
He also encouraged fishing communities to diversify their livelihoods through complementary ventures such as integrated poultry farming, particularly for residents who may not be directly involved in fishing.
More markets and roads planned
Beyond investments in fishing infrastructure, Dr Omollo highlighted the Government’s ongoing construction of more than 600 markets across the country, saying the facilities were intended to improve trading conditions and provide producers with reliable access to markets.
He said modern markets equipped with electricity, water and cold storage facilities would help fishermen preserve their products, reduce losses and minimise exploitation by middlemen.
The PS further disclosed that President Ruto was expected to visit the Lake Victoria region in the coming weeks to launch the construction of the approximately 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road, stretching from Migori to Busia.
He said the road project, alongside the revival of stalled road construction works and development of new road networks across the region, would strengthen connections between fish landing sites, markets and commercial centres.
According to Dr Omollo, improved infrastructure was essential to ensuring that investments in the blue economy translated into tangible economic benefits for fishing communities.
He called for the fishing industry to receive the same level of Government attention and investment extended to coffee, tea, dairy and sugarcane farmers, noting that fishing communities had an equally important role in the country’s economic transformation.
PS highlights Taifa Care registration
Dr Omollo also highlighted the Government’s healthcare reforms under Taifa Care, saying more than 33 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority.
He said the programme was intended to protect households from the financial burden of medical expenses and enable fishermen, traders and other Kenyans to access healthcare without having to sell their businesses, land or livestock to meet treatment costs.
The PS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to equitable development, stressing that investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic opportunities should benefit Kenyans regardless of their geographical location.
He urged National Government Administration Officers, security agencies and BMU leaders to remain accountable and responsive to the concerns of fishing communities, emphasising that public service should translate into practical improvements in people’s lives.
Dr Omollo commended BMU leaders for their continued engagement with Government institutions and reiterated the importance of collaboration in addressing security, infrastructure and economic challenges facing the fishing industry.
He said 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.
Dr Omollo was accompanied by Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, alongside national and county government officials, security officers, BMU representatives and members of the business community.