Gov. Orengo’s Blue Economy Vision Transforms Siaya’s Shorelines, Boosting Jobs and Livelihoods

The County Government of Siaya, under Governor James Orengo, in partnership with the National Government, has launched a significant infrastructure upgrade along the county’s shorelines.

Key projects include the construction of modern fish landing sites, which have been met with widespread praise and enthusiasm from residents of Luanda K’Otieno in South Uyoma Ward, Rarieda Sub-County. Mr. Wycliffe Abonyo, a local resident, stated that the completed projects will enhance living standards by creating jobs in the transport sector, particularly for loaders at the fish landing sites. The initiatives will also provide a direct market for local fishermen, reducing exploitation by middlemen and boosting incomes for fishers and job seekers in the area.

Beach Management Unit (BMU) officers commended Governor Orengo’s administration for delivering: - Fish bandas and sanitary facilities. - A new fish landing site and pier. - Fish cages and fish feeds to enhance fish production. - A high-mast light to improve security, enabling fishers to work longer hours. Additionally, the county government has committed to compensating fishermen whose breeding cages were destroyed in last year’s calamities. The establishment of a modern fish market is expected to transform sales, particularly benefiting small-scale traders, including those selling in smaller quantities along the beaches.

Electricity connections have ensured the effective operation of cooling plants and refrigerators. While residents appreciate these developments, they highlighted the need for modern toilets with biogas capabilities to further improve sanitation. The county’s efforts in constructing modern bandas and fish processing plants were also acknowledged.

Community leaders are optimistic that the county’s budgetary allocations for the next financial year will address remaining gaps, such as improved access roads to beaches and full-time markets to accommodate traders from areas like Suba South and Suba North sub constituencies in Homa Bay County, further increasing county revenue.

Mr. George Owuor, Chairperson of the Luanda K’Otieno BMU, thanked Governor Orengo for allocating funds in the current financial year to purchase fish feeds, supporting mass fish production. Residents anticipate that enhanced infrastructure will boost productivity and sales, both locally and for export markets in the Middle East and Europe, contributing to Kenya’s growing fish export industry and overall economic development.

The County Government aims to address shortcomings in the blue economy sector through: - Installation of modern fish processing plants. - Construction of modern piers for improved accessibility. - Development of a modern fish market with facilities for traders, including spaces for lactating mothers. - Improved sanitation, including modern toilets. - Enhanced road networks. - Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Targeted sites for these projects include Usenge Beach, Wich Lum, and Asembo Bay.

Mama Riziki, a fishmonger at Luanda K’Otieno, welcomed the blue economy projects, noting their potential to improve fish harvests and sales, thereby enhancing livelihoods. She highlighted that the high-mast lighting will enable a 24-hour market, increasing trading hours. “I thank Governor James Orengo for bringing these projects here. We expect higher sales and additional income to address unemployment,” she said.

The blue economy and infrastructure development are key pillars of the Nyalore administration’s manifesto, aimed at improving the livelihoods of Siaya’s citizens.