Government Announces New Fish Landing Sites, Patrol Boats and Lake Victoria Ring Road

The Government is stepping up investment in Lake Victoria’s blue economy through the construction of modern fish landing sites, improved water transport infrastructure, additional security patrols and better access to markets in a programme aimed at increasing fishermen’s incomes.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo said President William Ruto’s administration was implementing a comprehensive development plan to unlock the economic potential of Lake Victoria and make fishing a more profitable and sustainable industry.

Speaking during an engagement with Beach Management Units (BMUs) and members of the business community in Migori County, Omollo said the Government had prioritised the fishing sector through investments in infrastructure, equipment, training, security and market access.

“The President has been very deliberate, very intentional. He’s doing nine fish landing sites on Lake Victoria. He’s doing piers so that beyond supporting the fishing industry, he’s also making it possible for transport by water to be safe and convenient,” Omollo said.

Nine Modern Fish Landing Sites Planned

The PS highlighted ongoing construction at Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County and other fish landing sites around Lake Victoria.

He said the modern facilities would include cold storage rooms, hygienic fish-handling areas and improved trading infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and help fishermen earn more from their catch.

The Government is also investing in water transport facilities, with construction works ongoing at Usenge in Siaya County following the completion of the Homa Bay facility.

Other planned developments include piers at Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena on Mfangano Island.

Omollo further disclosed that a public ferry in Kisumu was nearing completion and was expected to improve passenger movement, facilitate trade and strengthen connections between communities around the lake.

He said the blue economy programme extended beyond fishing to include water transport, trade and other economic activities supported by Lake Victoria.

Government to Deploy More Police and Patrol Boats

On security, Omollo announced that additional police and security officers, alongside more patrol boats, would be deployed on Lake Victoria before the end of 2026.

He said the decision followed consultations with the leadership of the Border Patrol Unit and the Director General of the Kenya Coast Guard Service.

The additional personnel and equipment are expected to strengthen surveillance, improve border patrol operations and protect fishermen operating in Kenyan waters.

The PS acknowledged persistent security challenges affecting fishing communities, particularly around Migingo Island and areas bordering Uganda and Tanzania.

“We are going to increase the number of officers that are going to support in securing you as well as securing the lake. We are also going to bring additional patrol boats,” he said.

“The commitment I’m giving before the end of this year, you will see increased number of police and security officers. You will also see increased numbers of patrol boats so that we secure you as you undertake your fishing activities.”

He also called for the modernisation of patrol operations through the acquisition of safer vessels equipped with enhanced security features, noting that continued reliance on traditional wooden boats exposed officers and fishermen to safety risks.

Omollo Urges BMUs to Strengthen SACCOs

Turning to economic empowerment, the PS urged Beach Management Units to strengthen their savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs) through increased membership, transparent financial management and improved governance.

He said SACCO officials should receive proper training in financial management and accountability to protect members’ savings and ensure funds are used to expand fishing businesses and related economic activities.

Omollo also encouraged fishing communities to diversify their sources of income through complementary ventures such as integrated poultry farming, particularly for residents who are not directly involved in fishing.

Government Building More Than 600 Markets

The PS further highlighted the Government’s ongoing construction of more than 600 markets across the country, saying the facilities would improve trading conditions and provide producers with reliable access to buyers.

He explained that modern markets equipped with electricity, water and cold storage facilities would enable fishermen to preserve their products, reduce losses and limit exploitation by middlemen.

Omollo said improved market infrastructure was an important part of ensuring that fishermen received better returns from their work.

Ruto to Launch 500km Lake Victoria Ring Road

The PS also announced that President Ruto was expected to visit the Lake Victoria region in the coming weeks to launch the construction of the approximately 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road, which will stretch from Migori to Busia.

He said the project, alongside the revival of stalled road construction works and development of new road networks, would improve connections between fish landing sites, markets and commercial centres.

According to Omollo, better road infrastructure would help ensure that investments in the blue economy translated into tangible economic benefits for fishing communities.

He argued that the fishing industry deserved the same level of Government attention and investment extended to farmers in sectors such as coffee, tea, dairy and sugarcane.

Omollo Highlights Taifa Care Registration

Beyond fishing and infrastructure, Omollo highlighted the Government’s healthcare reforms under Taifa Care, revealing that more than 33 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA).

He said the programme was intended to shield households from the financial burden of medical expenses and enable fishermen, traders and other Kenyans to access healthcare without selling their businesses, land or livestock to pay hospital bills.

The PS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to equitable development, saying investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic opportunities should benefit Kenyans regardless of where they live.

He also urged National Government Administration Officers, security agencies and BMU leaders to remain accountable and responsive to the concerns of fishing communities, insisting that public service should translate into practical improvements in people’s lives.

Omollo commended BMU leaders for engaging Government institutions and called for continued collaboration in addressing challenges affecting the fishing industry.

He noted that similar engagements had been held with fishing communities in Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya counties as part of a coordinated effort to strengthen the blue economy around Lake Victoria.

The PS was accompanied by Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, alongside national and county government officials, security officers, BMU representatives and members of the business community.