Fishing communities around Lake Victoria could soon benefit from improved infrastructure, better market access and increased security as the government steps up investments in the blue economy. Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, has outlined plans to modernise fish landing sites, expand water transport facilities and deploy additional security officers and patrol boats to protect fishermen and improve their livelihoods.
Highlights
- Government is constructing nine modern fish landing sites around Lake Victoria.
- Additional police officers and patrol boats are expected on the lake before the end of 2026.
- A proposed 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road will connect Migori to Busia.
- Modern facilities will include cold storage, hygienic fish handling areas and improved trading spaces.
- More than 600 markets are under construction across the country to improve access to markets.
Main Story
Government Steps Up Investment in Lake Victoria Fishing Industry
The government has announced an ambitious investment programme targeting the fishing industry and other economic activities around Lake Victoria, with a focus on improving fishermen’s incomes and creating better opportunities for communities along the shoreline.
Speaking during an engagement with Beach Management Units (BMUs) and business representatives in Migori County, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said the government was implementing several projects to unlock the lake’s economic potential.
The initiatives include modern fish landing facilities, improved water transport infrastructure, better market connections and additional security resources.
According to the PS, President William Ruto’s administration is keen on ensuring that fishing communities receive the same development attention given to other agricultural sectors, including coffee, tea, dairy and sugarcane farming.
Nine Modern Fish Landing Sites Under Construction
One of the major projects highlighted by Omollo is the construction of nine modern fish landing sites around Lake Victoria.
The facilities are expected to feature cold storage rooms, hygienic fish handling areas and improved trading infrastructure.
These developments are intended to help fishermen preserve their catches, reduce post-harvest losses and secure better returns from their businesses.
Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County is among the locations where construction is ongoing.
The government is also expanding water transport infrastructure, with projects at different stages of implementation across the region.
The completed Homa Bay facility, ongoing works at Usenge in Siaya County and planned developments at Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena on Mfangano Island form part of the wider programme.
Additionally, a public ferry in Kisumu is nearing completion and is expected to improve movement between communities while supporting trade and business activities.
More Police Officers and Patrol Boats for Lake Victoria
Security remains another major concern for fishing communities, particularly in areas around Migingo Island and sections of the lake bordering Uganda and Tanzania.
To address the challenges, Omollo announced that the government plans to deploy additional police and security officers alongside more patrol boats before the end of 2026.
The decision follows consultations involving 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 working in Kenyan waters.
The PS also pointed to the need for safer and more modern patrol vessels, noting that reliance on traditional wooden boats presents challenges during security operations.
The planned deployment is expected to provide greater protection for fishing communities while improving the safety of operations on the lake.
Government Pushes for Stronger Fishermen’s SACCOs
Beyond infrastructure and security, the government is encouraging fishermen to strengthen their economic position through properly managed savings and credit cooperative societies.
Omollo urged Beach Management Units to increase SACCO membership, improve financial transparency and strengthen leadership structures.
He also called for training of SACCO officials in financial management and accountability to ensure members’ savings are protected.
The PS further encouraged fishing communities to explore additional income-generating activities, including integrated poultry farming.
Such initiatives could provide alternative sources of income for households whose members are not directly involved in fishing.
Over 600 Markets and 500km Ring Road Planned
The government’s development programme also extends to markets and road infrastructure.
Omollo highlighted the ongoing construction of more than 600 markets across the country, saying the facilities would provide better trading environments for farmers, fishermen and other small-scale traders.
The proposed markets are expected to incorporate essential amenities such as electricity, water and cold storage facilities.
These improvements could help reduce the loss of perishable products while giving producers better opportunities to sell directly to customers.
The PS also revealed that President William Ruto is expected to visit the Lake Victoria region in the coming weeks to launch construction of the approximately 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road.
The proposed road will stretch from Migori to Busia, improving connections between fishing communities, commercial centres and markets.
The project is expected to complement ongoing road construction works and other planned transport developments across the region.
Taifa Care and Better Healthcare for Fishing Communities
Omollo also addressed the government’s healthcare reforms under Taifa Care, revealing that more than 33 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority.
He said the programme is intended to reduce the financial pressure associated with medical expenses and ensure households can access healthcare without selling valuable assets such as land, livestock or businesses.
The PS emphasised that fishermen, traders and other residents should benefit from improved healthcare access as part of the broader national development agenda.
He further called on government administrators, security agencies and BMU leaders to remain accountable and responsive to the needs of local communities.
Jalang’o Accompanies PS During Migori Engagement
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.
The PS noted that similar engagements had already taken place with fishing communities in Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya counties.
The consultations are part of a wider government effort to address challenges affecting fishing communities while strengthening the blue economy across the Lake Victoria region.
If successfully implemented, the proposed investments could reshape fishing, transport and trade opportunities for thousands of households that depend on Lake Victoria.
Lake Victoria supports thousands of families, businesses and communities. The real measure of these investments will be whether fishermen eventually earn more, operate safely and enjoy better opportunities from the lake’s vast economic potential.
