The government has developed an elaborate blueprint to unlock blue economy opportunities in Lake Victoria.
Through the initiative, the government plans to open up the lake for blue economy activities, transport, and business to benefit millions of Kenyans living in the Nyanza region.
Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo said the blueprint was a deliberate plan by the Kenya Kwanza administration to spur economic growth in the region, which has lagged behind in development for decades.
Among the initiatives, he said, are the construction of a Sh2.5 billion Kabonyo Kanyagwal aquaculture centre of excellence, a ring road along Lake Victoria, the revival of lake transport, and the construction of landing beaches along the lake.
Other initiatives include the completion of all stalled road projects in the area to enhance connectivity and boost trade.
The National Treasury, the CS, said, had already approved construction of the ring road that will stretch from Busia through Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay and end in Migori County.
“The government has already approved this project, and negotiations with the World Bank are ongoing to kick-start the project,” he said.
The multi-billion project would open up Lake Victoria for tourism, travel, and business, thus opening up job opportunities for the locals.
“Our people will be able to move goods from one county to another and, at the same time, extend their trade to the neighbouring countries of Uganda and Tanzania,” he said.
The fish landing sites and aquaculture centre of excellence, he added, were set to expand the sector to meet the high demand for fish in the country.
Speaking after attending a church service at Rabuor in Kisumu County, Owalo asked area residents to rally behind President Dr. William Ruto to ensure that the development plan is actualized.
“The time for politics and elections is over. It is now time for development. Let us support the president so that his vision for this country is realised,” he said.
“When elections come in 2027, we shall come back to you with the scorecard and ask you to give the president a second term to complete his development programmes,” he added.
By Chris Mahandara
