Kisumu county has received a major boost in its efforts to modernise the fishing industry and enhance safety on Lake Victoria following the handover of six fiberglass boats by Kenya Shipyards Limited KSL.
They include five boats for artisanal fishing and one for patrol and surveillance.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, said these vessels, procured by Kisumu county, are a vital part of their ongoing commitment to enhance the safety, efficiency and dignity of fisherfolk.
“Far too many lives are lost annually due to the use of unsafe softwood boats,” he said.
The governor said the move to phase out wooden boats is critical for reducing the number of tragic accidents on the lake, which have claimed many lives over the years.
He said the modern boats would play an instrumental role in securing the future of the fishing industry in Kisumu and beyond.
“This initiative is a crucial step towards eliminating these tragedies and ensuring our community members can earn a livelihood without risking their lives.”
These boats, Nyong'o said, will be deployed shortly, with the patrol one playing a key role in enforcing safety standards and protecting invaluable lake resources.
The five fishing boats will be distributed across Kisumu Central, Seme, Kisumu West, Nyakach and Kadibo subcounties.
The sixth vessel will be operated by the Directorate of Fisheries for lake surveillance and enforcement of safety regulations.
Each boat is equipped with a 25 to 40 horsepower engine, life jackets and a cooler box capable of storing up to 500kgs of fish.
The fiberglass design is expected to replace the traditional wooden boats, which are prone to wear and considered hazardous for lake navigation.
“We commend KSL for their timely delivery and excellent workmanship,” Nyong’o said.
Bigger Plan to Transform Fishing
The delivery is part of a larger county initiative launched in February this year aimed at revamping Kisumu’s fishing infrastructure.
During the launch, Nyong’o highlighted the construction of five modern fish landing sites along Lake Victoria’s shores.
The landing sites are being built at Kichinjio Beach (Kisumu Central), Nanga Beach (Seme), Rota Beach (Kisumu West), Koguta Beach (Nyakach) and Nyamware Beach (Kadibo).
They are expected to provide safer docking, better access to markets and improved hygiene for handling fish.
“These sites will provide much-needed infrastructure, helping fishers to transport their catch more efficiently and connect with buyers more easily,” Nyong’o said.
The governor also announced plans to establish a fish processing plant in Kisumu.
The facility will provide cold storage and value-added services, helping fishermen fetch better prices while creating job opportunities and opening up export possibilities.
Beyond the fishing sector, the county has set its sights on a broader transformation of the Lake Victoria shoreline.
A 46-kilometre promenade is planned along the Kisumu lakefront, expected to boost tourism, trade and regional investment.
“This lakefront project will connect all developments along the shore and create a vibrant economic corridor,” the governor said.
To implement and coordinate these projects, the county has established the Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation, which is tasked with attracting investors and managing infrastructure delivery.
Nyong’o called on both local and international partners to support the county’s vision of a thriving blue economy.
“Together, we can turn Kisumu into a dynamic hub for fisheries, tourism and sustainable development,” he said.
The new boats are expected to be deployed immediately, with the patrol vessel taking a lead role in regulating activities on the lake and protecting its resources from illegal exploitation.
As the county advances its maritime development agenda, officials hope these interventions will not only improve safety and livelihoods for fisherfolk but also position Kisumu as a leader in sustainable lake economy initiatives.
