Multi-billion fisheries center to bolster Kenya’s blue economy

KENYA – The Kenyan government is investing Sh2.5 billion (approximately US$19 million) in the Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries Centre of Excellence and Sh1.5 billion (US$11.6 million) in fish landing sites to boost Lake Victoria’s fisheries sector. 

These projects aim to enhance fish production, improve livelihoods, and promote the sustainable use of aquatic resources.

According to the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Blue Economy, Betsy Njagi, these projects have commenced in earnest and are expected to impact the economic landscape of the lake region significantly. 

The Kabonyo Kanyagwal project, currently underway, is set for completion by December 2025.

Despite initial setbacks caused by water backflow from the lake and the need for regulatory approvals from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the National Construction Authority (NCA), construction is progressing steadily. 

Contractors have been instructed to adhere strictly to timelines to ensure the timely facility delivery.

Once completed, the Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries Centre will house modern fish hatcheries capable of producing seven million fingerlings per quarter. 

These will be distributed to fish farmers and used for restocking Lake Victoria, which has witnessed declining fish production in recent years. 

Additionally, the facility will incorporate a feed manufacturing unit, a Fisheries Training School, and research facilities to equip farmers and institutions with modern aquaculture techniques to enhance fish production in the country.

In tandem with the establishment of the Fisheries Centre, the government has also committed Sh1.5 billion (US$11.6 million) to construct state-of-the-art fish landing sites along the lake’s shores. 

These landing sites will feature cold storage facilities with a capacity of up to five metric tons per day, ice-making machines, and fish-processing units.

By reducing post-harvest losses and improving the quality of fish products, these initiatives will open up access to larger markets, both locally and internationally. 

The improved infrastructure is expected to boost economic activities in the region and provide fisherfolk with better returns for their produce.

Policy and cooperative support for sustainable growth

Beyond infrastructure development, the government has put policies and regulatory frameworks in place to support the blue economy’s sustainable growth. PS Njagi noted that the blue economy strategy, fisheries policy, and aquaculture regulations are being refined to facilitate the sector’s expansion.

The government is also empowering women in fisheries through grants that support diversification and value addition. 

A spatial plan, developed in collaboration with riparian county governments, has also mapped out potential investment areas, including designated fish cage sites, transport utilities, tourism facilities, and fish landing sites.

The government has partnered with the State Department for Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to strengthen the sector further and encourage fisherfolk to join cooperative societies. 

The goal is to convert Beach Management Units (BMUs) into cooperatives, enabling fishermen to attract investment, benefit from economies of scale, and secure better market access.

Strengthening cooperative frameworks

PS for Cooperatives and MSME Development, Patrick Kilemi, emphasised the government’s commitment to capacity-building programs that educate fishermen on the advantages of cooperative membership. 

By organising themselves into cooperatives, fisherfolk can collectively negotiate better prices, access credit facilities, and expand their reach into international markets.

To ensure transparency and efficiency in the cooperative sector, the Cooperatives Bill 2024, currently before the National Assembly, seeks to address governance issues that have plagued the industry. 

The bill includes punitive measures against cooperative managers found guilty of financial mismanagement, a move aimed at restoring confidence and trust in the industry.

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