Ruto Pledges Sh1B for Usenge Pier Upgrade

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President William Ruto has announced that the government will invest Sh1 billion in upgrading the Usenge Pier and its supporting port infrastructure in Siaya County as part of efforts to stimulate the blue economy.

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Hosting Siaya leaders and business figures at State House Nairobi, Ruto outlined development initiatives for the county, including the construction of 16 modern markets at a cost of Sh2.5 billion and a Sh1.6 billion investment to connect over 16,000 homes to electricity to support small enterprises.

Speaking at the Blue Economy Conference held in Homa Bay on May 30, 2025, Ruto emphasized the potential of Kenya’s ocean and inland water resources to drive economic growth and outlined plans to position the country as a player in the global deep-sea fishing industry.

At the Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing fish markets equipped with cold storage facilities, which are expected to be completed by September 2025.

This followed the commissioning of a modern fish market at Koginga Pier in Homa Bay, co-opened with Raila Odinga. The facility includes advanced fish landing sheds, a shared kitchen, and cold storage units.

Additionally, nine more landing sites will be established across Kisumu, Busia, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay, backed by a Sh1.5 billion budget. Ruto highlighted that Kenya experiences post-harvest losses of 30–40%, and the new infrastructure will help reduce these losses and increase fisherfolk incomes.

Currently, the blue economy contributes Sh36 billion (0.6% of GDP), but the President projects it can reach Sh400 billion with increased investment in both wild capture and aquaculture.

To reduce reliance on natural fish stocks, the government is expanding cage fish farming in Lake Victoria.

More than 4,000 cages have already been installed in Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Busia, producing approximately 12,000 metric tonnes of Nile tilapia each year.