The maritime rescue centre in Kisumu marks a vital investment in maritime safety on Lake Victoria, addressing long-standing challenges of frequent accidents and loss of life. Backed by national and county governments, the Sh800 million facility aims to enhance emergency response, support regional coordination and protect economic activities like fishing and transport. Equipped with modern rescue tools and a 24/7 distress line, the centre reflects a broader Sh3.2 billion national effort to make lake transport safer. Its impact is expected to be both humanitarian and economic—saving lives while strengthening the livelihoods of communities that depend on the lake.
An impression of Kisumu’s marine rescue centre
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has hailed the construction of the maritime rescue centre at the former Lwang’ni Beach as a transformative step in safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of thousands who rely on Lake Victoria for fishing, trade and transport.
He emphasised the significance of the facility in enhancing emergency response on the lake, which has long been plagued by frequent accidents and fatalities.
“This maritime rescue centre is not just about responding to emergencies; it’s about giving our people peace of mind,” he said.
“Once completed, it will revolutionise how we handle maritime safety and protect those who depend on the lake to make a living.”
The governor thanked the national government for prioritising the initiative and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to its full implementation.
“We have long needed this kind of infrastructure. The lives of our people matter, and I’m glad this vision is finally taking shape. It will also boost the local economy by increasing confidence in lake transport and trade.”
Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency Eliud Owalo, who visited the site, said the facility is 17 per cent complete.
Valued at Sh800 million, the Kisumu Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) is a critical component of a broader national lake safety programme, led by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).
“This afternoon, I inspected and verified the progress of the MRCC in Kisumu,” Owalo said.
“The centre will significantly improve safety on Lake Victoria, especially for local fisherfolk and transport operators.”
He said once operational, the centre will serve as a command hub for coordinating search-and-rescue missions, enhancing communication, and integrating GSM networks to receive distress calls.
Beyond Kisumu, the facility will support operations across Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties—regions that border the lake.
The Kisumu centre is part of a Sh3.2 billion national investment aimed at boosting maritime safety on Lake Victoria.
Of this, Sh2.7 billion has been earmarked for the development of five rescue centres across the lake region.
Speaking in Kisumu during the Fourth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Conference in November last year, President William Ruto underscored the urgency of the initiative.
“We’re investing Sh2.7 billion to ensure that any accidents on Lake Victoria are attended to without delay,” the President said.
“We’ve lost too many lives due to poor infrastructure. This investment will support the entire ecosystem—from transport to trade and fishing.”
President Ruto said the rescue centre will not only save lives but also protect the economic backbone of the lake region, particularly for youth and families reliant on fishing.
“Our goal is to create a safe environment for everyone who depends on this lake,” he said.
“If an accident
happens, help must be immediately available.”
According to KMA, the MRCC in Kisumu will be outfitted with state-of-the-art rescue equipment and personnel.
“This facility will include rescue
boats, ambulances, evacuation helicopters, and fully trained emergency response
teams,” the authority said.
The centre will also house a security control unit, a communications room, a regional coordination office, and an EMS-equipped rescue unit.
To ensure accessibility, it will operate a 24-hour toll-free distress line, enabling real-time communication between lake users and rescue services.
More than just an emergency response
facility, the marine rescue centre fits into the government’s broader agenda of
food security, economic resilience and youth empowerment.
Ruto highlighted the strategic role of Lake Victoria in regional nutrition and income generation, stressing the need to protect those who work on its waters.
“Securing the lives of lake users means protecting the food supply chain and supporting economic stability,” he said.
As construction continues at Lwang’ni Beach, the maritime rescue centre is poised to become a beacon of safety and preparedness—ushering in a new era for Lake Victoria where lives and livelihoods are not just supported, but safeguarded.
