By Belinda Osoro

Lake Victoria is steadily being repositioned as a strategic commercial maritime hub, with Kenya accelerating investments aimed at unlocking intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The latest milestone came on Tuesday when President William Ruto presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Usenge Pier (Phase I) in Siaya County.

The project, being implemented by Kenya Shipyards Limited on behalf of the Kenya Ports Authority, marks a significant step in expanding inland water transport and strengthening Lake Victoria’s role in regional commerce.

Speaking during the ceremony, President Ruto said the Government is committed to transforming the lake into a productive economic frontier.

“This project is part of our deliberate plan to unlock the immense potential of Lake Victoria and integrate our local economies into the broader African market,” he said.

He added:

“By investing in modern maritime infrastructure such as Usenge Pier, we are creating opportunities for trade, jobs and sustainable livelihoods for our people.”

The Usenge Pier project is one of several strategic interventions designed to support Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda as outlined by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs. It also aligns with regional integration ambitions under the East African Community, where improved lake transport is expected to ease the movement of goods and people across borders.

Phase I of the project, which commenced on March 24, 2026, will involve site clearance, land reclamation, construction of a 520-metre perimeter wall, development of a 200-metre jetty and landscaping works within a six-month timeline. Subsequent phases will include critical support infrastructure such as a ferry ramp, warehouse facilities, passenger terminal and multi-agency offices.

Officials said the pier is expected to address long-standing inefficiencies in the fishing sector by improving landing, handling and storage conditions. This will significantly reduce post-harvest losses while opening new trade corridors for island and lakeside communities.

Beyond fisheries, the facility is projected to catalyse broader economic activity including aquaculture, transport logistics and small-scale industry. It will also enhance safety and coordination along the lake, complementing ongoing investments such as the Lake Victoria Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

President Ruto further highlighted the Government’s wider investment in the Blue Economy, noting that over Sh9.5 billion has been committed to projects including fish hatcheries, landing sites and maritime safety systems.

“Lake Victoria has for years been underutilised. Through targeted investments, we are turning it into a centre of economic growth that will benefit not only Kenya but the entire region,” he said.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together national and county leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, signalling strong intergovernmental support for the project.

For Kenya Shipyards Limited, the project reinforces its growing role in delivering critical maritime infrastructure that supports national development and regional trade integration. As construction begins, the Usenge Pier stands as a practical building block in Kenya’s vision of a connected, competitive and resilient Blue Economy.