Homa Bay unveils fisheries policy to boost economic growth

The new ultra-modern fish market in Homa Bay to be commissioned by President William Ruto./FAITH MATETE

The government of Homa Bay has unveiled a fisheries and aquaculture development policy.

 The policy is the first of its kind for the county that accounts for the largest catch from Lake Victoria, which forms the backbone of the county’s economy.

 The unveiling of the policy marks the culmination of three years of extensive community participation and close collaboration between the county government and the Department of Fisheries, with technical support from WorldFish.

 “This policy is a bold step forward, as it emphasises community empowerment, gender inclusion, climate resilience, and public-private partnerships as foundational pillars of a thriving blue economy. Through this policy, we aim to unlock the full potential of our aquatic resources while safeguarding the ecological integrity of Lake Victoria,” Governor Gladys Wanga said.

 The policy provides a framework to modernise fisheries, grow sustainable aquaculture and harness the sector as the engine of economic development and job creation in the county.

 Homa Bay, which holds the largest share of Kenya’s Lake Victoria waters, is a key contributor to national fish production.

 However, the sector has faced persistent challenges, including declining catch, inconsistent supply of aquaculture inputs, post-harvest losses, and limited market access.

 The new policy strives to directly address these gaps by outlining actionable measures to restore aquatic resources, promote climate-resilient aquaculture, modernise value chains, and expand market access.

 The policy enshrines a gender-sensitive approach, recognising the central role that women and youth play in fish production, harvesting, processing, and trade.

 The framework establishes pathways to address the systemic barriers that have historically limited their participation in leadership, financing, and economic benefit-sharing.

 “The policy builds on studies of the gendered impact of climate change on fishers, farmers and value chain actors and will connect science to action and impact – a model approach that can hopefully benefit other counties and fishing communities in Kenya,” Dr Rahma Adam said.

Adam is a senior scientist and socio-economic inclusion impact lead at WorldFish who has done extensive research at the intersection of climate change, gender and livelihoods for fishing communities in the Lake Victoria region.

 Lake Victoria is the world’s second largest freshwater lake, placing tremendous potential in the implementation of policy to transform the economy, livelihoods and social development in the region.

 “This policy is grounded in the principles of sustainability, equity, and innovation. It outlines actionable strategies to enhance fish production, improve value chains, promote responsible aquaculture, and empower women and youth in the sector. It is both a call to action and a commitment to stewardship,” said Sarah Malit, the county executive for fisheries.

 WorldFish will continue to serve as a technical partner to support the county in implementing the policy, alongside other organisations and stakeholders, leveraging insights and experience from its ongoing projects that are already advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Kenya.

 The fisheries and aquaculture development policy comes at a strategic moment, as the global community marks World Fisheries Day, highlighting the critical role of fisheries in promoting food security and livelihoods and drawing attention to the growing pressures on aquatic resources.

 The event brought together community representatives, producer groups, the private sector, researchers, and development partners.