Kisumu county Governor Professor Peter Anyang Nyong’o during the launch of Kichinjio beach in Kisumu Central //Photo courtesy
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on Tuesday, February 4, presided over the official launch of the first phase of a transformative initiative under the Lake Victoria Economic Revitalization Project.
Speaking at the event, Governor Nyong’o thanked stakeholders, including the fishing and marine transport communities, for their support as the county marked a significant milestone in unlocking the vast economic potential of Lake Victoria.
Nyong’o stated that the first phase focuses on introducing modern artisanal boats and constructing landing sites—both crucial steps in harnessing the blue economy and boosting economic growth.
“As part of this initiative, my government has contracted Kenya Shipyard Limited to fabricate and supply six modern fiberglass boats. Five will be distributed to fisherfolk across Kisumu’s five sub-counties: Kisumu Central, Seme, Kisumu West, Nyakach, and Kadibo,” he said.
The sixth boat, he added, will be assigned to the Directorate of Fisheries for monitoring and surveillance of fishing activities on the lake.
Each of the modern boats, fitted with 25-40 horsepower engines, comes equipped with cooler boxes capable of storing up to 500 kg of fish, as well as life jackets, flares, and other safety gear.
Nyong’o emphasized that the goal of purchasing the boats is to encourage fishermen and lake transport operators to transition from traditional wooden boats to fiberglass vessels.
“Moving forward, our intention is to phase out wooden boats, which have been responsible for numerous accidents and fatalities on the lake,” he stressed.
In addition to modernizing fishing vessels, the county is constructing five landing sites strategically located at Kichinjio Beach (Kisumu Central) – commissioned today, Nanga Beach (Seme) Rota Beach (Kisumu West) Koguta Beach (Nyakach) Nyamware Beach (Kadibo)
Nyong’o noted that these landing sites will improve accessibility, enhance safety, and facilitate the efficient transportation of fish, contributing to sustainable economic development.
With the launch of these projects, Nyong’o revealed that the next focus will be the construction of a fish processing plant, which will provide cold storage, value-added processing, logistical support, waste management, and environmental conservation measures.
Another key project is the construction of a 46-kilometer-long promenade along the shoreline, which the governor described as the “umbilical project”—the backbone of the lakefront’s transformation.
“This infrastructure will drive tourism, trade, and regional collaboration, stimulating further investments in Kisumu’s lakefront,” he added.
Nyong’o credited the Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation (KLDC), a special-purpose vehicle, for spearheading these projects.
“Lake Victoria is one of the world’s most valuable natural resources, offering boundless opportunities for growth, sustainability, and regional cooperation,” he said.
He invited local and international investors to partner with KLDC to bring these ambitious initiatives to life.
“Together, we can transform the lakefront into a vibrant hub of economic activity and ensure sustainable development for future generations,” Nyong’o concluded.
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