lowereas
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has invested over KSh 7 billion in the Blue Economy sector to unlock economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk across all counties bordering Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean.
Speaking in Alego Usonga, Siaya County, Prof. Kindiki said the investment aims to enhance sustainability, improve productivity, and empower local communities dependent on fishing and related enterprises.
“The government is committed to transforming the Blue Economy into a major driver of job creation and economic growth in Kenya. Through these investments, we are empowering our fisherfolk to thrive and ensuring that our aquatic resources are sustainably managed,” the Deputy President said.
According to Prof. Kindiki, KSh 3.2 billion has already been disbursed through Beach Management Units (BMUs) in the Lake Victoria and Indian Ocean regions, while KSh 3.1 billion has been set aside for the construction of modern fish landing sites. Additionally, KSh 1.3 billion is being used to establish the Kabonyo Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Kisumu County, which will serve as a research, training, and innovation hub for fisheries and aquaculture.
In Siaya County, the Deputy President noted remarkable progress in infrastructure and development projects. The Luanda Kotieno Fish Landing Site, built at a cost of KSh 134 million, has been completed, while construction of Wich Lum and Kokach landing sites each worth KSh 150 million is ongoing.
Beyond the Blue Economy, Siaya County is also benefiting from markets, affordable housing, and institutional housing projects valued at KSh 35 billion. The government has also allocated KSh 550 million for the construction of the Siaya Stadium and KSh 500 million to upgrade the Siaya County Referral Hospital, key projects expected to enhance sports development and healthcare delivery respectively.
Prof. Kindiki further revealed that under the nationwide Last Mile Connectivity Programme, projects worth KSh 1.5 billion are underway in Siaya County, targeting to connect an additional 16,200 households to electricity.
During the visit, the Deputy President also participated in a resource mobilization drive to support Siaya County Boda Boda SACCOs, emphasizing the sector’s vital role in providing youth employment and sustaining rural transport systems.
The event was attended by a host of national and county leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Senators Oburu Oginga (Siaya) and Danson Mungatana (Tana River), and Members of Parliament Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Peter Masara (Suna West), Rozah Buyu (Kisumu West), and Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo).
Also present were prominent national figures including Dr. S.K. Macharia, Chairman of the Royal Media Services, Farouk Kibet, the President’s Aide, Jaoko Oburu, the President’s Advisor, and Kevin Mubadi, National Chairman of the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya.
Prof. Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development, assuring residents that the ongoing projects in Siaya and other lake counties are part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broader agenda to ensure balanced regional growth, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.
“No region will be left behind in Kenya’s journey to economic transformation. The Blue Economy and supporting infrastructure projects are pillars of our shared prosperity,” the Deputy President affirmed.
ENDS///…
