Kisumu Government Partners with Kenya Shipyards to Enhance Fisherfolk Safety with Modern Fiberglass Boats
Kisumu County Partners with Kenya Shipyards to Provide Modern Fiberglass Boats for Fishermen
The County Government of Kisumu has partnered with Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) in a groundbreaking initiative to provide modern fiberglass boats for local fishermen. This collaboration aims to phase out the use of traditional wooden boats in a bid to improve safety on Lake Victoria, a region where wooden boats have been linked to numerous tragic accidents.
Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, alongside senior Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officials, recently toured the KSL facility to assess the progress of the boat fabrication. He announced that the first batch of six fiberglass boats will be ready for distribution within 90 days, with five boats being allocated to fishermen in Kisumu Central, Seme, Kisumu West, Nyakach, and Kadibo Sub-Counties. The sixth boat will be assigned to the Directorate of Fisheries for monitoring and surveillance purposes.
Each boat is equipped with engines ranging from 25 to 40 horsepower and features cooler boxes capable of storing up to 500 kilograms of fish. The boats are also outfitted with essential safety equipment such as life jackets, flares, and other safety gear to ensure the well-being of those working on the lake.
Governor Nyong’o highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage fishermen and lake transport operators to transition from the unsafe, outdated wooden boats to more modern fiberglass vessels. “We intend to phase out the use of wooden boats, which have caused many deaths on the lake,” the Governor said.
In addition to the boat provision, the Kisumu County Government is constructing five new landing sites to further support the fisherfolk. These landing sites, strategically located across the county in Kisumu Central, Seme, Kisumu West, Nyakach, and Kadibo Sub-Counties, will improve accessibility, safety, and the efficiency of fish transportation, boosting the local economy.
The county is also laying the groundwork for the establishment of a fish processing plant and storage facilities, which will enable value addition to fish products and open up new market opportunities. These projects, spearheaded by the Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation (KLDC), are part of an ambitious effort to transform the lakefront area into a thriving hub for tourism and the blue economy.
KLDC is also working on plans for a 46-kilometer-long promenade along the shoreline, which will not only enhance the tourism experience but also stimulate trade and regional cooperation. The Governor urged private sector stakeholders, both local and international, to partner with KLDC in realizing these projects, emphasizing the potential to transform Kisumu into a vibrant, economically active region.
“We invite all interested parties to collaborate with KLDC in bringing these exciting initiatives to life, as we work together to develop the lakefront and ensure sustainable growth for future generations,” said Governor Nyong’o.