Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, accompanied by Kenya Shipyards Limited Managing Director Major General Said Farah, toured the ongoing Sio Port Pier Project in Busia County to assess the progress of the transformative blue economy infrastructure initiative being undertaken by Kenya Shipyards Limited on behalf of the Kenya Ports Authority.
The visit underscored the strategic importance of the project in strengthening inland water transport, enhancing regional connectivity and unlocking the economic potential of the Lake Victoria Basin in line with the Government of Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda. During the tour, the delegation received a comprehensive project brief from Head of Civil and Modular Construction, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Omito, who outlined the project scope, engineering milestones achieved so far, environmental management measures and the anticipated socio-economic impact upon completion.
The Proposed Rehabilitation and Construction of Sio Port in the Lake Victoria Basin is a flagship maritime infrastructure project designed to enhance inland water transport, support fisheries and cross-border trade, improve environmental management and stimulate sustainable blue economy growth within Busia County and the wider East African region. The project includes the construction of a modern reinforced concrete pier, shoreline reclamation and stabilization works, clearance of invasive aquatic vegetation and installation of secure access and perimeter infrastructure to improve safety, navigability and operational efficiency at the port.
Speaking during the inspection tour, the KDF Chief commended the steady progress being made at the site and reaffirmed the importance of strategic maritime infrastructure in driving regional trade, improving livelihoods and strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading maritime and logistics hub within the Eastern African region. The visit also highlighted the growing role of Kenya Shipyards Limited in delivering complex marine and civil engineering projects that contribute to national development, regional integration and sustainable utilization of Kenya’s blue economy resources.
Once completed, the Sio Port Pier Project is expected to significantly improve access to safe and efficient water transport services, enhance fisheries value chains, reduce post-harvest losses and create new economic opportunities for communities living around Lake Victoria. The project is also expected to strengthen environmental stewardship through controlled vegetation management, shoreline stabilization and organized waterfront development.
The tour reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in transformative maritime infrastructure that promotes economic resilience, regional connectivity, environmental sustainability and inclusive growth for communities that depend on inland water transport and lake-based economic activities.
