He flagged off the Sh1 billion Usenge Pier in Bondo, Siaya County
USENGE, Siaya, March 2026 – President William Ruto has announced that the government is investing Sh9.5 billion to strengthen blue economy activities along Lake Victoria.
This initiative aims to create jobs for youth and women, thereby improving the livelihoods of residents in the lake region, aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
During the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Sh1 billion Usenge Pier in Bondo Constituency, Siaya County, on Tuesday, 24th, Dr Ruto called this project a significant step in expanding maritime infrastructure and unlocking new opportunities in fishing, transport, and regional trade.
The project, which will be carried out by Kenya Shipyards Limited, will also enhance water transport between Kisumu and Homa Bay counties while promoting the sustainable use of Lake Victoria’s resources.
“We have completed the pier in Homa Bay and are building another at Muhuru Bay in Migori. Additionally, 10 fish landing sites are set for construction along the lake from Busia to Migori,” he assured.
To unlock Lake Victoria’s potential, the 10 modern fish landing sites, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in five bordering counties beaches such as Bumbe (Busia), Wichlum (Siaya), Asembo (Siaya), Ogal (Kisumu County), and Asat (Seme, Kisumu County, which was officially launched on 21st March, 2026).
Other beaches include Nyandhiwa (Homa Bay County), Nyakula (Homa Bay County), Mainuga (Homa Bay County), Got Kochola (Migori County), and Sori (Migori County). These fish landing sites are being equipped with ultramodern facilities such as piers, cold storage rooms, markets, and solar-powered refrigeration to reduce post-harvest losses.
“These are intended to support safety, boost aquaculture, and increase productivity among the fisherfolk to boost the blue economy, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk,” said Ruto.
The Head of State further pledged that his administration will establish a fishermen rescue centre in Siaya costing Sh250 million, procure rescue boats worth Sh70 million, and invest another Sh70 million in fish cage farming (producing 12,000 metric tonnes annually), which will significantly supplement wild catch.
These lakeside projects aim to serve as aggregation centres, helping fisherfolk store their catch and secure better market prices, and are expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for youth and women.
President Ruto was joined by Siaya Governor James Orengo and other leaders, along with residents of Siaya.
Orengo described the Usenge Pier project as a significant infrastructural milestone that will boost the blue economy and help transform the lives of many people.
“It will also improve water transport between Siaya, neighbouring counties, and across our borders,” Orengo said.
