Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the meeting at his residence on May 19, 2025/DPCSThe government has unveiled a two-year plan aimed at revitalising the fisheries and blue economy sector, as part of a broader effort to transform rural livelihoods and economically empower citizens.
Speaking during a briefing on the sector’s progress, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government’s commitment to delivering on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
"We are focused on inclusive economic growth and sustainable development through the strategic harnessing of marine and inland water resources," he said.
He noted that all ministries, state departments, and agencies are under continuous monitoring to ensure the effective implementation of projects and programmes aligned with this agenda.
Kindiki highlighted significant progress already made in the sector, which includes fisherfolk along the Indian Ocean and Lake Victoria that have been supported to convert Beach Management Units (BMUs) into cooperative societies.
This transformation, he said, is intended to boost household incomes by enabling aggregation, improved access to markets, and shared resources.
To further strengthen these communities, Kindiki said grants totaling Sh3.2 billion have been disbursed to 309 BMUs across the coastal counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu, as well as the Lake Victoria counties of Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisumu, and Busia.
In addition, 425 small fishing boats have been distributed to fishers in the Indian Ocean counties, with similar support planned for those along Lake Victoria. Infrastructure development has also been a key focus.
Some seven fish landing sites, he stated, have been completed-three in Kwale (Vanga, Gazi, and Kibuyuni), two in Kilifi (Kichwa cha Kati and Ngomeni), and others in the Lake Victoria region, including Sori in Migori, Luanda Kotieno in Siaya, and Mulukhoba in Busia.
The DP added that five more sites are currently under construction, while fish ports and centres of excellence are also nearing completion to enhance the sector's capacity and efficiency.
In parallel, the mining sector has seen the formalisation of 270 cooperatives aimed at aggregating stakeholders to maximise impact, promote collective growth, and benefit from economies of scale.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho, alongside principal secretaries and senior government officials were present during the event.
