May 30, 2025
The government is investing in the blue economy to unlock immense immense potential in the Lake Victoria and Coast regions, President William Ruto has said.
The President pointed out that the blue economy has the potential to boost the country’s wealth, food security, and creation of jobs.
He said the sector had been neglected for long, making it incapable of meaningfully contributing to the country’s economy.
“Today, the blue economy is contributing between KSh30 billion and KSh40 billion yet the potential is between Ksh300 billion and KSh500 billion a year. We are very far from attaining the true potential of the blue economy,” he said.
Speaking during the Blue Economy Summit at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay, he said the government is taking decisive action to reverse this trend.
“Over the past three years, we have completed four fish landing sites along the Indian Ocean coast and three along Lake Victoria. In addition, we are building five more along the coast and nine along Lake Victoria,” he said.
President Ruto was accompanied by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Cabinet Secretaries, and MPs.
He announced that the government has committed KSh1.5 billion to build nine fish landing sites along Lake Victoria.
President Ruto also explained that a lot of work has gone into restocking the country’s waters to ensure that they do not run out of fish.
The President pointed out that the government has set up 54 fish cages and is in the process of procuring another 55 to expand opportunities for commercial production in Lake Victoria.
Additionally, he said the government is also strengthening the capacity of Beach Management Units by transforming them from social organisations to economic units.
“We have registered all the Beach Management Units across Kenya. We are now organising them into cooperatives,” he said.
In addition, the government has provided KSh3.2 billion, with an additional Sh200 million on the way.
At the Coast, President Ruto said the government has distributed 120 fish boats to enhance the mobility of fisherfolk.
He said the government is also investing KSh1.2 billion to acquire 15 to 20 deep-sea fishing boats that have the power to remain in the high seas for up to 10 days.
The President said the government will spend KSh600 million to acquire a ferry in Lake Victoria that will ease the movement of goods and people. He disclosed that the ferry will be ready by December.
Meanwhile, the President presided over the issuance of 110 affordable housing units to new owners in Homa Bay.
Later, he launched the KSh500 million Homa Bay Pier that will boost trade, create jobs, promote tourism, and advance the region’s blue economy.
President Ruto also launched the Modern Homa Bay Fish Market that will accommodate more than 400 traders.
In Rangwe he officially opened the Sub-County Headquarter Offices.
Speaking to residents of Homa Bay, the President said he is working with the opposition to unite Kenyans and ensure that no community or region is left behind in development.
He said there was no room for leaders who are driven by hatred, anger, and tribalism.
“We will eradicate tribalism and hatred, and make sure that those who are driven by anger do not get space to block Kenya’s move forward,” he said.
On his part, Mr Odinga cited the various development projects undertaken by the government, noting that President Ruto is working for the people.
He said the Affordable Housing Programme will enable the government to organise social amenities and ensure citizens live in a dignified environment.
“This was in our manifesto as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Azimio La Umoja. I see Kenya Kwanza has adopted our programme. This is a good thing and I want our people to support them,” pointed out.
Ms Wanga echoed Mr Odinga’s sentiments, saying the government is delivering its pledges, citing the Homa Bay Pier that was launched in 2023 and is now complete.
“The transformation of this country will be televised and those with eyes will see,” she said.
She emphasised: “It will be market by market, pier by pier, road by road and affordable housing by affordable housing. These programmes will carry Kenyans along and out of poverty,” she said.
