ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has underscored the potential of the Lake Victoria Basin to uplift the livelihoods of locals.
Owalo pointed out that the basin if exploited well, could change the economic fortunes of Nyanza and the entire region.
“I held very constructive talks with Nyanza professionals on the economic potential of Nyanza and the entire Lake Victoria Basin region,” the CS said after the meeting at the Kempinsky Hotel in Nairobi on Friday night.
Upwards of 80 professionals from different disciplines attended the meeting.
They included former Auditor General Edward Ouko, architect Jerry Ndon’g, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor Stephen Agong, engineer George Makodawa, businessman Paul Gondi, former PS Carrey Orege, engineer Meshack Kidenda and Rongo University Vice Chancellor Samuel Gudu.
Others were cooperative sector specialist Carilus Ademba, insurance Guru Jalph Olende, prominent banker Jeff Radier, geologist Don Riaro, hotelier Gerson Misumi of the Tamarind Group, Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives managing director George Ototo, prominent Lawyer Jotham Arw and former Postmaster General Fred Odhiambo.
The Lake Victoria Basin supports large populations that depend on it for farming activities and fishing for subsistence, sale and export, and industrial development.
The lake and its tributaries support a multitude of ecosystem services and the economies of riparian countries.
This includes fisheries, tourism, agriculture, forestry, water, hydropower generation, industry and transport among others.
By far, the most important economic activity for lakeside inhabitants is fishing (UNEP, 2006). In 2021, around 1.48 million tonnes of fish were landed from the lake.
The fishery employs over three million people in fisheries-related activities, according to government records.
