Ruto Unveils KSh9.5 Billion Lake Victoria Investment To Boost Jobs, Transport And Fishing Sector

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Residents along Lake Victoria stand to gain immediate and tangible benefits from a KSh9.5 billion government investment targeting fishing, transport, and trade infrastructure, with projects already underway in Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Busia counties.

President William Ruto said the initiative is designed to expand economic opportunities in the lake region through improved maritime infrastructure, enhanced safety, and increased fish production.

Speaking during the groundbreaking of the KSh1 billion Usenge Pier in Bondo Constituency, Siaya County, the President framed the investment as central to unlocking the lake’s economic potential.

“We are investing KSh9.5 billion to strengthen blue economy activities along Lake Victoria, consequently creating jobs and improving livelihoods for the residents of the lake region,” he said.

The Usenge Pier, to be implemented by Kenya Shipyards Ltd, is expected to improve water transport between Kisumu and Homa Bay counties while promoting sustainable use of lake resources. Officials say the facility will ease movement of goods and passengers, reducing transport costs and travel time across key trading routes.

The government has already completed a similar pier in Homa Bay and is constructing another at Muhuru Bay in Migori County. In addition, 10 fish landing sites are planned along the lake corridor from Busia to Migori, aimed at improving fish handling, reducing post-harvest losses, and expanding market access for fishermen.

“We have completed the pier in Homa Bay and are building another at Muhuru Bay in Migori. Additionally, 10 fish landing sites are set for construction along the lake from Busia to Migori,” he said, while outlining the scale of the broader ongoing infrastructure rollout works across the region.

Safety measures form a central part of the programme. A fishermen rescue centre will be established in Siaya at a cost of KSh250 million, alongside procurement of rescue boats worth KSh70 million.

Further support will be directed toward aquaculture, with KSh70 million allocated for fish cages to boost production and provide alternative income streams. The move is expected to ease pressure on wild fish stocks while stabilizing earnings for local fishermen.

The broader programme signals a shift toward structured exploitation of the lake’s economic potential, with officials projecting increased employment across fishing, transport, and auxiliary services such as boat repair and fish processing.

Led by area Member of Parliament Gideon Ochanda, leaders and locals also said the investments would raise the region’s economic wellbeing and strengthen emergency response and reduce fatalities that have long plagued lake communities.

Principal Secretary for Ministry of Interior and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said President Ruto has ensured that all regions across the country and demographics got their rightful share of development projects.