HOMA BAY, Oct 2026 -The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the fishing industry in Homa Bay County through modernized equipment and sustainable resource management.
Speaking in Mbita over the weekend during a meeting with Beach Management Unit (BMU) officials from Suba South and North, Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo announced that investments in fish feeds, fingerlings, and fish cages are already underway to revolutionize the sector and boost livelihoods.
“As those who are in the blue economy sector, who are extracting the resources from this lake, we must embrace new technology,” Dr Omollo stated, citing innovations in boat design and the adoption of cage fishing. While acknowledging that cage fishing has improved stock in Lake Victoria, he cautioned: “We must manage it in a manner that is sustainable.”
The PS addressed the pressing challenge of insecurity, saying he deliberately invited regional and county security teams to hear directly from fisherfolk.
“As a government, we have a responsibility, just like we do for all Kenyans, to assure fish farmers of their security,” he said.
He urged BMU leaders to work closely with security officers, including the Kenya Coast Guard and Border Patrol Unit, emphasizing the need for dialogue over boundary disputes between fishermen from Siaya and Homa Bay.
“This resource cannot be a curse. It cannot be the source of fights in the lake, and cannot be the reason why our young men are losing their lives.”
Turning to economic empowerment, Dr Omollo highlighted the administration’s broader infrastructure agenda. He noted that the government is building a record 600 markets across the country, including in Suba South, to address post-harvest losses.
“You don’t want a situation whereby this time in the day, your fish is rotten because there is no cold storage,” he explained, adding that road networks in Homa Bay County are also being expanded to improve access.
The PS described the meeting as a vital forum for government officials to share progress and for fishermen to ventilate their grievances.
He further touched on the government’s support program, urging beneficiaries to treat the assistance as a business venture.
“When that support comes, we must look at it as business,” he advised, noting that fingerlings and feeds are provided, but at harvest, the fish are given out without asking for money.
“I want to give you my assurance that I will follow it through,” Dr Omollo pledged regarding security concerns, calling for a collaborative approach. “If we do this jointly and collaboratively, it will be very easy for us to maximally exploit the resources that are in this lake.”
The fishing industry in Homa Bay and other lake region counties is set for a major boost after the approval for commencement of a 400KM ring road was given a nod by the cabinet last week.
