Hundreds of families who depend on Lake Victoria for survival are set to benefit from a fresh government funding boost aimed at improving fish handling, safety and incomes in Homa Bay County.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday announced Sh450 million for the construction of three modern fish landing sites and Sh200 million to support fish farmers, outlining what he described as a broad plan to strengthen the blue economy.
Speaking in Nyandiwa, Homa Bay County, on Friday, February 27, 2026, the Deputy President said the government has “a comprehensive programme to empower millions of fisherfolk and other Kenyans who derive their livelihoods from the blue economy resources of the Indian Ocean, Lake Victoria and other water bodies.”
DP kithure Kindiki engaging Homa Bay County residents on February 27, 2026. PHOTO/DPCS
The Sh450 million allocation will fund the development of fish landing facilities at Nyandiwa, Kakula and Mainuga.
The three projects will cost a combined Sh450 million, with the Nyandiwa Fish Landing Site alone taking up Sh150 million.
The facilities are part of a wider effort to upgrade fish handling infrastructure along the shores of Lake Victoria.
At Nyandiwa, the Deputy President inspected ongoing works at the landing site, which will include fish coolers and other modern equipment aimed at improving storage and preserving quality.
Better facilities are expected to cut losses caused by spoilage and allow fishermen to access better markets.
Beyond capture fishing, the government has also released Sh200 million to boost fish farming activities in the county.
The funds will go towards fish cages, pond liners and predator nets to help farmers expand production and protect their stock.
The Deputy President said the support has enabled rural fish farming groups to earn millions of shillings in steady income.
Homa Bay County sits along Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake and a key economic resource shared by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Fishing supports thousands of households, from those casting nets in the lake to traders and processors who rely on daily catches.
To address safety concerns on the lake, the Deputy President announced further measures aimed at protecting fishermen.
“Plans are underway to purchase high capacity boats and to build a search and rescue centre for the lake fishermen,” he said.
The proposed rescue centre is expected to improve response during emergencies, especially in rough weather that has in the past exposed fishermen using small boats to danger.
In addition, beach management units are receiving grants “to boost their businesses.” These units manage operations at landing beaches and help oversee fishing activities.
The fisheries push forms part of the government’s wider plan to tap into the blue economy by promoting the sustainable use of water resources for jobs and growth.
By investing in modern landing sites fitted with cooling systems and improved handling areas, authorities aim to ensure more fish reaches the market in good condition.
Strengthening aquaculture is also a key focus. With equipment such as cages and pond liners, farmers can increase output, while predator nets reduce losses from birds and other threats.
The goal is to expand production as communities diversify beyond traditional fishing.
The Deputy President presented the projects as a long-term empowerment drive meant to ensure communities that rely on water bodies, from Lake Victoria to the Indian Ocean coastline, gain more from natural resources.
As construction continues in Nyandiwa and plans move forward in Kakula and Mainuga, fisherfolk in Homa Bay will be watching to see how quickly the investments improve earnings and safety on the lake.
For the county, the funding marks a renewed focus on fisheries as a pillar of local livelihoods and national development.
