Homa Bay lakefront projects reshape local economy

The face of Homa Bay town is changing, with new infrastructure along the Lake Victoria shoreline promising to boost trade, tourism, and livelihoods.

At the heart of the transformation is the newly constructed Homa Bay Fish Market, now operational and providing space for more than 2,000 traders. 

Previously, many fishmongers worked in informal sheds with limited facilities. 

The new market comes equipped with storage, sanitation, and modern trading spaces, offering a more organised environment for a sector that sustains thousands of families.

Adjacent to the market, the Homa Bay Pier has been renovated after years of neglect. Once idle, it is now set to handle cargo vessels, passenger ferries, and tourist boats. 

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the move is expected to improve connectivity between Homa Bay and other lake towns, opening fresh opportunities for trade and transport.

Adding a cultural and recreational element, an open-air amphitheatre has also been unveiled on the lakefront. 

Surrounded by landscaped gardens, walking and cycling tracks, boat rides, and a sunset viewing point, it is anticipated to draw visitors and support the county’s budding tourism industry.

PS Omollo said the projects are an important step in unlocking the economic potential of Homa Bay. 

“For years, this town has had immense opportunities but lacked proper infrastructure to make the most of them”.

PS Omollo said the market, the pier and the amphitheatre are creating an ecosystem that supports trade, tourism and decent livelihoods for the people.

“The combined effect of these projects is already visible,” he added.

The PS noted that while the market supports commerce, the pier strengthens regional trade links, and the amphitheatre positions Homa Bay as a potential tourism hub.

 To complement this growth, he said the government has rolled out an affordable housing project in the town, with units ready for occupation to ease accommodation needs as economic activity increases.

The PS added that these initiatives align with Kenya’s wider efforts to tap into the Blue Economy, leveraging water resources for food security, jobs, and investment. 

For residents of Homa Bay, the projects mean more than just new buildings; they represent a shift towards organised trade, improved transport, and fresh avenues for employment.