The residents of Usenge, Wichlum, and Kokach Beaches are set to benefit from the construction of modern landing sites aimed at unlocking the region’s blue economy potential. Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, along with Principal Secretary in charge of Blue Economy, Madam Betsy Njagi, paid a courtesy call to Governor James Orengo in his office. The purpose of their visit was to discuss and oversee various local development projects, particularly those related to the blue economy.
Later, they toured fish landing sites in Usenge, Wichlum, and Kokach Beaches alongside local leaders, including MPs. Otiende Amollo and Gideon Ochanda; County Speaker George Okode, CECMS, and several MCAs. They inspected the fisheries activities, focusing on the local fishermen from the areas operating in Lake Victoria. This project is part of a broader initiative by the National Government through the State Department for Urban Development and Metropolitan to enhance local infrastructure.
While addressing the public, CS Joho pledged to address the challenges faced by fish traders in the area to boost the local economy. He emphasized the importance of supporting the fishing community to ensure sustainable growth and development, aligning with the broader goals of enhancing the blue economy in Kenya.
The State Department of Blue Economy and Fisheries has committed to bolstering the county's blue economy by upgrading and facelifting the 3 landing sites. This will include the construction of modern fish processing markets fully equipped with cold storage plans for fish preservation. Both the National Government and the County Government will endeavour to transform the 3 beaches into viable commercial centres courtesy of the Aquaculture Business Development Programme.
The CS also launched the construction of the 1.5km Usenge Beach Ring Road into bitumen standards.
Fisheries activities in Siaya County are mostly in Bondo and Rarieda sub-counties from Lake Victoria, as well as Alego Usonga from Lake Kanyaboli. The fishing industry in Lake Victoria directly employs over 15,000 fishing crew members and 3,800 boats accounting for about 32.2% of the number of crews and fishing boats operating in L. Victoria Kenya side. The annual fish production of Siaya County from Lake Victoria and Lake Kanyaboli stands at 29,746 metric tons, dominated by Omena, Nile Tilapia, and Nile Perch.