Hope for revived lake transport as Homa Bay jetty and port project near completion

A major port infrastructure project on the shores of Lake Victoria is nearing completion, signalling renewed efforts to boost trade and connectivity in Homa Bay county.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo, during an inspection tour of the site, confirmed phase one of the Homa Bay jetty and pier project is 95 per cent done.

The development, he said, is part of President William Ruto's wider commitments to revitalise the blue economy and unlock the economic potential of lakefront counties.

"The progress made here demonstrates our dedication to transforming Lake Victoria into a vibrant corridor for trade, transport and Tourism," PS Omollo said.

He said the facility will be a key driver of socioeconomic growth in the lake region.

The 153-metre pier is equipped with bollards and engineered to dock vessels of up to 4,000 tonnes.

 The head of the pier measures 23 by 50 metres, providing ample space for efficient loading and unloading of cargo. 

Key structures, including the boundary fence and gatehouse, are already in place, with only minor works such as painting left to complete.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has also reclaimed and landscaped the surrounding land, creating a modern, functional waterfront space.

According to Omollo, environmental sustainability has been factored into the development.

"Previously discoloured due to algae and human activity, the lake water around the site is undergoing active conservation through mitigation measures to maintain its clarity and health," he said.

Additional facilities under construction include a warehouse, a designated ferry waiting area and a control-equipped gatehouse that will manage the flow of goods in and out of the port. 

Phase two of the project will introduce a ferry ramp, a permanent KPA office, an amphitheatre adjacent to a modern fish market and leisure zone designed to attract traders and tourists.

In Kisumu, the Kenya Shipyards Limited is building a new ferry scheduled for deployment in nine months. 

Once commissioned, it will operate regular routes connecting Kisumu, Homa Bay, Mbita, Sena, Muhuru Bay, Sio Port, Asembo Bay and Luanda Kotieno. 

The vessel will significantly boost inter-county movement and facilitate cargo transport across the lake, eventually reaching even the more remote islands like Mfangano.

"This is not about Infrastructure, it's about connecting people, supporting livelihoods and opening new markets across counties," PS Omollo said.

The port's completion is expected to significantly enhance inter-county movement, cargo handling efficiency and regional economic integration, reinforcing the government's long-term vision for a thriving, sustainable Lake Victoria economy.