The Government is stepping up investments in the blue economy through the construction of modern fish landing sites, expansion of water transport infrastructure, improved market connectivity and strengthened security operations as part of efforts to transform fishing into a more profitable and sustainable economic activity.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said the Government is implementing a comprehensive development programme aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Lake Victoria, improving fishermen’s incomes and positioning the blue economy as a key contributor to national economic growth.

Speaking during an engagement with Beach Management Units (BMUs) and the business communty in Migor County, Dr. Omollo said President William Ruto’s administration has prioritised the fishing sector through targeted 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 peers so that beyond supporting the fishing industry, he’s also making it possible for transport by water to be safe and convenient,” said Dr. Omollo.

The PS highlighted ongoing construction works at Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County and other fish landing sites around Lake Victoria, noting that the modern facilities will incorporate cold storage rooms, hygienic fish handling areas and improved trading infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and increase returns for fishermen.

He further outlined investments in water transport infrastructure, including the completed Homa Bay facility, ongoing works at Usenge in Siaya County and planned developments at Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena on Mfangano Island.

The PS also highlighted the near completion of a public ferry in Kisumu, which is expected to improve passenger movement, facilitate trade and enhance connectivity between communities along Lake Victoria.

He emphasised that the Government’s blue economy strategy extends beyond fishing to include transport, trade and other economic opportunities that can be generated from the lake.

On security, Dr. Omollo announced that the Government will deploy additional police and security officers and increase patrol boats on Lake Victoria before the end of 2026 to address persistent insecurity affecting fishing communities.

He said the decision follows consultations with the leadership of the Border Patrol Unit and the Director General of the Kenya Coast Guard Service, with the additional resources expected to enhance surveillance, strengthen border patrol operations and protect fishermen operating in Kenyan waters.

The PS acknowledged security challenges affecting fishing communities, particularly around Migingo Island and areas bordering Uganda and Tanzania, and assured residents that the Government is pursuing coordinated interventions to address the concerns.

“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 th s 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 stressed the need to modernise patrol operations by adopting safer vessels with enhanced security features, noting that the continued use of traditional wooden boats presents safety risks.

Turning to economic empowerment, Dr. Omollo called on Beach Management Units to strengthen their SACCOs through increased membership, transparent financial management and improved governance.

The PS further emphasised the importance of training SACCO officials in financial management and accountability to safeguard members’ savings and ensure resources are directed towards expanding fishing businesses and related economic activities.

He also underscored the importance of diversifying livelihoods through complementary activities such as integrated poultry farming, particularly for residents who may not be directly involved in fishing.

Beyond nvestments in fishing infrastructure, Dr. Omollo highlighted the Government’s ongoing construction of more than 600 markets across the country, which he said are intended to improve trading conditions and provide producers with reliable access to markets.

He explained that modern markets incorporating electricity, water and cold storage facilities would help fishermen preserve their products, reduce losses and minimise exploitation by middlemen.

The PS further disclosed that President William Ruto is expected to visit the Lake Victoria region in the coming weeks to launch construction of the approximately 500-kilometre Lake Victoria Ring Road, stretching from Migori to Busia.

He said the road project, alongside the revival of stalled road construction works and development of new road networks across the region, would strengthen connectivity between fish landing sites, markets and other commercial centres.

According to Dr. Omollo, improved infrastructure is essential to ensuring that investments in the blue economy translate into tangible economic benefits for fishing communities.

He emphasised the need to accord the fishing industry the same level of Government attention and investment extended to coffee, tea, dairy and sugarcane farmers, noting that fishing communities have an equally mportant role n the country’s econom c transformation.

The PS also highlighted the Government’s healthcare reforms under Taifa Care, noting that more than 33 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority.

He said the programme is intended to protect households from the financial burden of medical expenses and ensure that fishermen, traders and other Kenyans can access healthcare without having to dispose of their businesses, land or livestock.

Dr. Omollo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to equ table development, stressing that investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic opportunities must benefit all Kenyans regardless of their geographical location.

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

The PS commended BMU leaders for their continued engagement with Government institutions and reiterated the importance of collaboration in addressing security, infrastructure and economic challenges facing 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 approach to strengthening the blue economy across the Lake Victoria region.

Dr. Omollo was accompanied by Lang’ata Member of Parliament Hon. Felix Odiwuor (Jalang’o), alongside national and county government officials, security officers, BMU representatives and members of the business community.