Ruto: Sh2.5bn invested to Boost Blue Economy

The new infrastructure aims to cut post-harvest losses and raise earnings in the sector.

by FAITH MATETE

News01 June 2025 - 19:10

In Summary

Ruto said nine additional landing sites are planned for Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay, with a budget of Sh1.5 billion.
He said to support the sector, the government is building fish markets with cold storage in Likoni, Malindi, Kibuyuni, Kalokol, and Lowarengak.

The new ultramodern fish market in Homa Bay county set to be commissioned by President William Ruto. Faith Matete

President William Ruto has announced the completion of ten modern fish landing sites—seven along the Indian Ocean and three on Lake Victoria—as part of efforts to revitalise Kenya’s fisheries sector.

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, the President said five more landing sites are under construction in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu at a cost of Sh1 billion. They will be completed by September 2025.

Nine additional landing sites are planned for Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay, with a budget of Sh1.5 billion.

“These investments will modernise our fisheries, reduce post-harvest losses, and create economic opportunities, especially for women and youth,” said Ruto.

To support the sector, the government is building fish markets with cold storage in Likoni, Malindi, Kibuyuni, Kalokol, and Lowarengak.

Fully equipped landing sites are also being developed in Kalokol and Loiyangalani to strengthen the fisheries value chain.

Ruto said post-harvest losses stand at 30–40 per cent. The new infrastructure aims to cut this and raise earnings in the sector.

The Blue Economy currently contributes Sh36 billion—0.6 per cent of GDP—but the President believes it can grow to Sh400 billion through investment in capture and culture fisheries.

To ease pressure on wild stocks and meet demand, cage fish farming is being promoted in Lake Victoria. Over 4,000 cages have been set up in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Busia, producing 12,000 metric tonnes of Nile tilapia annually.

“These initiatives show our commitment to make the Blue Economy a key pillar of national development,” he said.

On infrastructure, Ruto said his administration has built 1,800km of tarmac roads and maintained more than 134,800km countrywide.

“This is unlocking markets, empowering communities, and supporting key sectors like agriculture and housing,” he added.

He said all interventions align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda to raise productivity, create jobs, and uplift livelihoods.