Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has unveiled a comprehensive government programme aimed at transforming livelihoods in Kenya’s blue economy, announcing fresh funding for fish landing sites, aquaculture support and lake safety infrastructure in Homa Bay County.
Speaking on Friday during an inspection tour of the Nyandiwa Fish Landing Site, Kindiki said the Government has rolled out a structured plan to empower millions of Kenyans who depend on resources from the Indian Ocean, Lake Victoria and other water bodies.
“The Government has a comprehensive programme to empower millions of fisherfolk and other Kenyans who derive their livelihoods from the blue economy resources of the Indian Ocean, Lake Victoria and other water bodies,” Kindiki said.
Sh450 Million for modern fish landing sites
In Homa Bay County alone, Kindiki announced that funds have been released for the construction of three modern fish landing sites at Nyandiwa, Kakula and Mainuga at a total cost of Sh450 million.
The projects are expected to modernise fish handling, storage and distribution systems, reducing post-harvest losses and improving hygiene standards.
At Nyandiwa, where he inspected ongoing construction works, the Deputy President said the facility will cost Sh150 million and will be equipped with fish coolers and other modern amenities.
“Inspected construction works at Nyandiwa Fish Landing Site, which will provide fish coolers and other modern facilities, to cost 150 million shillings,” he stated.
Officials say the upgraded landing sites will improve fish quality, extend shelf life and open access to better markets, including export opportunities.
Sh200 Million for fish farmers
Beyond infrastructure, the Government has disbursed Sh200 million to support fish farmers in Homa Bay County.
The funds are being used to provide fish cages, pond liners and predator nets — key inputs aimed at boosting aquaculture productivity and protecting stock from losses.
“A further 200 million shillings has been disbursed to support Homa Bay fish farmers with fish cages, pond liners and predator nets,” Kindiki said, adding that the intervention has already enabled rural fish farming groups to earn millions of shillings in regular income.
Local leaders noted that cage fish farming has emerged as a growing economic activity around Lake Victoria, creating employment for youth and women’s groups.
Lake safety and business grants
Kindiki also revealed that plans are underway to enhance safety and capacity for fishermen operating in Lake Victoria.
The Government intends to purchase high-capacity boats and establish a search and rescue centre to improve emergency response on the lake.
“Plans are underway to purchase high capacity boats and to build a search and rescue centre for the lake fishermen,” he announced.
Additionally, beach management units (BMUs) are receiving grants aimed at strengthening their business operations and governance structures.
These measures are designed to professionalise the sector, improve safety standards and ensure sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources.
Blue economy as an economic pillar
The Deputy President emphasised that the blue economy forms a critical pillar of Kenya’s economic growth strategy.
By investing in landing infrastructure, aquaculture inputs and safety systems, the Government aims to unlock value chains linked to fishing, fish processing, transportation and trade.
Homa Bay County, which sits along the shores of Lake Victoria, is among the regions expected to benefit significantly from increased fish production and improved market access.
Residents who attended the event expressed optimism that the projects will raise household incomes and reduce losses caused by poor storage facilities and unsafe working conditions.
Towards sustainable growth
Kindiki reiterated that the Government’s focus is on long-term sustainability, job creation and community empowerment.
The combined Sh650 million investment in Homa Bay, covering landing sites and aquaculture support signals one of the largest targeted boosts to the county’s fisheries sector in recent years.
As construction progresses and equipment is rolled out, stakeholders say the success of the initiative will depend on effective management, accountability and continued support for fisherfolk groups.
For thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on Lake Victoria, the programme represents renewed hope for stability, safety and increased income in Kenya’s growing blue economy.
