President William Ruto has underscored the transformative potential of Kenya’s blue economy, calling for bold investments to unlock its estimated Ksh 400 billion economic value. Speaking during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay County, the President emphasized that through capture and culture fisheries, the sector could grow significantly from the current Ksh 36 billion, which represents only 0.6% of the country’s GDP.
“Homa Bay, in many ways, mirrors the promise of Kenya itself. Kenya has the capacity to become a maritime powerhouse. It is time to act boldly and ambitiously,” Ruto stated.
At the core of this vision is the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with the blue economy identified as a key pillar. The government has launched several initiatives aimed at revitalizing fisheries and aquaculture across the country.
Among flagship projects is the Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Service and Training Centre of Excellence in Nyando, Kisumu County. The facility is expected to produce 7 million fingerlings quarterly to restock Lake Victoria. It will also house a Nile Perch Innovation Centre, an Aquaculture Resource Centre, and the Kenya Fishing School positioning the country as a regional hub for aquaculture research and training.
In Central Kenya, the Sagana Aquaculture Centre is being upgraded to serve as a national breeding centre for species like Nile tilapia and African catfish. These efforts aim to improve nutrition, boost aquaculture productivity, and expand fish farming to arid and semi-arid areas.
On the coast, the National Mariculture Research and Training Centre (NAMARET) in Shimoni is cultivating marine species such as milkfish, seaweed, and prawns. It is projected to benefit over 200,000 people across five coastal counties.
Additionally, the development of Liwatoni and Shimoni Fishing Ports will expand deep-sea fishing capabilities, supported by the completion of modern fish landing sites on both the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria shores. The government has earmarked over Ksh 2.5 billion for the construction of new landing sites and fish markets equipped with cold storage facilities in both coastal and inland regions.
These strategic investments underscore Kenya’s commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable fisheries and marine development.
