Siaya and KPA Join Forces to Unlock Blue Economy Potential

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) delegation led by Director of Ferry Services Operations Bakari Gowa, Rajab Kombo, and Martin Mitegi, met with the County Government of Siaya to discuss a feasibility study for blue economy projects in the county.

The Siaya team, representing Governor James Orengo, was led by Chief Officer for Governance, Administration, and ICT, Hon. Walter Okelo, alongside Chief Officer for Energy and Transport, Dr. Nicholas Kut and Director of Public Communication, Civic Education and Petitions Mr. Chrispine Omondi.

The meeting focused on potential development collaborations, including water transport infrastructure, pier construction, modern fish landing sites, and markets at key locations such as Usenge Beach, Luanda Kotieno, Wich Lum, and Asembo Bay.

Discussions also covered the provision of educational facilities and services to benefit local residents in project areas.

Hon. Okelo emphasized the county government’s commitment to fostering cooperation for mutual benefit, ensuring the success of these initiatives. The KPA is set to undertake significant water transport and infrastructure developments in Siaya, following President William Ruto’s directive to boost regional development. This aligns with ongoing collaboration between the national government, led by President Ruto, and Siaya’s leadership, including Governor James Orengo who recently met with the President in Nairobi.

Neighboring counties like Homa Bay and Kisumu have already benefited from similar projects, including piers, modern fish landing sites, and markets. In Siaya, ongoing developments at Luanda K'Otieno, Usenge Beach, and other fish landing sites aim to bolster the blue economy.

The KPA delegation outlined plans to package and promote these investments from July to December 2025, aligning them with blue economy and infrastructure goals. The feasibility study will identify areas for cooperation, incorporating technological advancements and training where necessary, with a focus on ferry services and water transport vessels.

Both teams agreed to appoint a contact person to streamline project engagement. The County Government stressed that areas of cooperation and compliance will be clearly defined once the study’s scope is finalized and shared. Key areas of focus will include legal frameworks and consensus-building to ensure mutual prosperity.

The projects will also incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, such as improving education, road access to beaches, and market infrastructure, to benefit local communities. Supported by both the national government and Governor Orengo’s administration, the projects are slated to commence between July and December 2025, with completion dates varying based on agreed plans and technical requirements.

Governor Orengo’s 9-Point Agenda for transport, infrastructure, and the blue economy aims to enhance connectivity, improve security for fishing communities, and foster trade networks. These initiatives are expected to create employment opportunities, boost income generation, and ensure safer, round-the-clock economic activity along Siaya’s modernized beaches and fish landing sites. Funding will primarily come from the national exchequer, with the County Government of Siaya providing technical support, land, and other necessary resources to ensure project completion.