Kenyan Government Pushes Sh3 Billion Investment to Revive Lake Victoria Fisheries and Boost Local Incomes

Kenya’s blue economy is entering a transformative phase as the government accelerates the construction of 12 fish landing sites and the ambitious Kabonyo-Kanyagwal Aquaculture and Training Centre in the Lake Victoria basin. Spearheaded by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, these investments underscore a strategic vision to elevate the livelihoods of fisherfolk, modernize the fisheries sector, and unlock the vast economic potential of aquatic resources in five counties: Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Busia, and Migori.
At the heart of this transformation is the Sh1.3 billion Kabonyo Aquaculture Centre in Nyando, Kisumu County. Once completed, this flagship facility will be a powerhouse of innovation and production. It is projected to generate 28 million fingerlings annually, offering a sustainable solution to replenish Lake Victoria’s dwindling fish stock. The centre will also act as a training hub for fish farmers, supporting best practices in aquaculture, cage culture, and resource management.
In addition to fingerling production, the centre will provide freshwater fish feed and host cutting-edge infrastructure, including a Nile Perch multiplication unit, a national fishing school, and incubation centres for aquaculture innovation. This comprehensive approach will ensure that both small-scale and commercial fishers have access to quality inputs, training, and research, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to a knowledge-driven, inclusive blue economy.
Parallel to this, the construction of 12 modern fish landing sites—three of which have already been completed in Mulukoba (Busia), Luanda K’otieno (Siaya), and Sori (Migori)—marks a critical step in strengthening the fisheries value chain. Each site, costing between Sh150 million and Sh160 million, is equipped with cold storage and value addition infrastructure aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving the market value of fish products.
These landing sites will standardize the reception, preservation, and storage of fish, ensuring higher quality output for local and international markets. Their strategic placement across the region means thousands of fishers will soon operate in cleaner, safer, and more commercially viable environments. The ripple effect will be felt across allied sectors, including logistics, processing, and retail.
Beyond infrastructure, the government has already released Sh124 million to Beach Management Units (BMUs), with an additional Sh205 million on the way. These funds are supporting the acquisition of modern fishing gear, enabling communities to venture into deeper and more productive waters. By enhancing access to equipment and training, the government is empowering fishing communities with the tools and capacity to thrive in an evolving sector.
The short-term benefits are already evident. Construction works have created hundreds of jobs for local artisans, engineers, plumbers, and support staff, injecting capital into local economies. In the long term, the completed projects are expected to anchor sustained economic growth through job creation, improved fish output, increased exports, and enhanced food security.
This renewed focus on the blue economy is aligned with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ensuring that growth begins at the grassroots. The projects reinforce national development goals and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to lifting up traditionally marginalized communities along Lake Victoria.
Despite previous regulatory delays, the government has reaffirmed its resolve to complete the Kabonyo project by June 2026. With funding secured and construction underway, the vision of a revitalized, modern fisheries sector is rapidly becoming a reality. Deputy President Kindiki’s leadership and hands-on oversight have brought renewed momentum and clarity of purpose.
Kenya’s investment in fisheries is more than infrastructure—it is a commitment to equity, sustainability, and prosperity for millions who depend on Lake Victoria’s waters. As these projects unfold, the nation is positioning itself as a regional leader in blue economy development, offering a replicable model for how natural resources can be harnessed for inclusive, long-lasting economic transformation.