Kisumu: The County Government of Kisumu has entered into a partnership with Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) to produce modern fibreglass boats aimed at enhancing safety for fishermen on the lake. Through this initiative, the first set of six boats is expected to be delivered to fishermen within a period of 90 days.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, accompanied by senior officials from the Kenya Defense Forces, visited the boat fabrication facility to monitor progress. The governor announced that five of these boats would be allocated to fisherfolk in the Sub-Counties of Kisumu Central, Seme, Kisumu West, Nyakach, and Kadibo. The sixth boat will be used by the Directorate of Fisheries for monitoring and surveillance purposes.
Each fibreglass boat is equipped with engines ranging from 25 to 40 horsepower and includes cooler boxes capable of storing up to 500 kg of fish. Safety gadgets such as life jackets, flares, and other safety gear are also provided to ensure security on the lake. Governor Nyong’o emphasized that the initiative aims to transition fishermen and lake travel operators from wooden boats to fibreglass vessels, addressing safety concerns associated with traditional wooden boats.
In addition to the boat project, the county government is constructing five landing sites to better support the fishermen. These sites are strategically placed at Kichinjio Beach in Kisumu Central, Nanga Beach in Seme, Rota Beach in Kisumu West, Koguta Beach in Nyakach, and Nyamware Beach in Kadibo Sub-Counties. The sites aim to enhance accessibility, improve safety, and facilitate fish transportation, thereby boosting economic growth in the region.
Further plans include establishing a fish processing plant and storage facilities to uplift the local fisheries sector. The intention is to add value to fish products and expand their market reach. The Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation (KLDC) is leading these projects, which aim to drive development along the lakefront, attracting investments in tourism and the blue economy.
KLDC is also planning the construction of a 46-kilometre-long promenade along the shoreline to enrich tourist experiences and stimulate economic activities. Governor Nyong’o highlighted the potential of these projects to serve as the backbone for lakefront development, promoting tourism, trade, and regional collaboration.
He called on the private sector to engage with KLDC to explore investment opportunities that will transform Kisumu. Governor Nyong’o extended an invitation to both local and international partners to collaborate with KLDC in bringing these initiatives to fruition, with a vision of transforming the lakefront into a vibrant economic hub for sustainable development.