Work Resumes on Sh2.5 Billion Kisumu Fisheries Centre Poised to Transform Kenya’s Aquaculture

Construction has resumed on the Sh2.5 billion Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Kisumu County, reviving a flagship project that is expected to transform Kenya’s fishing industry and strengthen the national economy. The renewed activity follows a directive by President William Ruto to fast-track the project after months of delays, signalling strong government backing for efforts to revitalise the country’s blue economy.
The project, now at 30 percent completion, is a partnership between the Kenyan and Hungarian governments. Once finished, it will produce 28 million high-quality fingerlings each year from 20 fish ponds, backed by modern hatchery facilities, cold storage units, processing centres, administrative blocks and staff accommodation. Project Engineer Vundi Mbwika confirmed that five permanent buildings are under construction, alongside critical flood control works including a three-metre-wide canal and an 800-metre access road to protect the site from Lake Victoria and River Nyando overflow. The first phase is targeted for completion by June 2026.
Beyond its scale, the Kabonyo facility stands out for its comprehensive approach to boosting aquaculture. It aims to address one of Kenya’s biggest challenges in fish farming: unreliable and low-quality fish seed that has hurt yields and incomes for thousands of smallholder farmers. As noted by Aquatic Scientist Philip Raburu, farmers often suffer losses when they unknowingly buy fingerlings caught by traders directly from the lake rather than scientifically bred stock, resulting in stunted fish growth. The centre will introduce science-led breeding and training to reverse this trend and help farmers produce healthier, faster-growing fish.
Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed the President’s intervention, highlighting how the project aligns with national food security plans and will directly benefit small-scale fish farmers. Fish bred at the facility will restock Lake Victoria, whose fish stocks have sharply declined, while also being supplied to local farmers to boost production and incomes across the lake region.
Economic benefits are equally significant. According to Kenneth Onyango, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock Development and Irrigation, the centre will create numerous jobs for engineers, artisans, and local residents, stimulate business in Kabonyo Kanyagwal Ward and help unlock previously idle land for agriculture. It will also provide agribusiness training for young people, supporting government efforts to reduce youth unemployment.
The timing of the project is critical. Kenya’s fish harvest has dropped from about 200,000 metric tonnes in 2000 to roughly 150,000 metric tonnes in 2022, while the country’s fish imports largely from China; have grown to cover over 80 percent of aquatic trade. With demand projected to rise, the Kabonyo centre is expected to increase domestic fingerling supply by seven million annually, reduce reliance on imports and help raise per capita fish consumption closer to global averages.
Additional investments in the blue economy are already underway, including Sh124 million for the Lwanda Kotieno fish landing site, as well as other planned projects in Busia and Siaya. These efforts are part of a coordinated strategy to expand aquaculture, modernise processing infrastructure and open new markets for Kenyan fish products.
For residents of Kabonyo Kanyagwal, the resumed construction brings renewed hope that the project will finally deliver the jobs, training and economic vitality long promised. “We thank the President and urge him to ensure it is completed without further delays,” said Bartholomew Ogutu, a local resident.
With sustained government support, scientific expertise and strong community backing, the Sh2.5 billion Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre of Excellence is positioned to put Kisumu County and Kenya at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture in Africa.