For decades, the persistent decline of fish stocks in Lake Victoria has posed a grave threat to the livelihoods and food security of millions of people living around the lake.
Overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species such as the Nile perch, and climate change have all contributed to a dramatic reduction in native fish populations, including the near disappearance of many endemic species. This has led to dwindling catches, economic hardship for fishing communities, and ecological imbalances that have affected the lake’s overall health.
However, this long-standing crisis may soon be reversed, thanks to strategic interventions and the establishment of the Kabonyo Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Service and Training Center of Excellence in Kisumu County.
The Deputy Chief of Staff Performance and Delivery Management, Eliud Owalo, on Thursday conducted an inspection tour of the facility in Nyando, Kisumu County. Accompanied by Victor Nyagaya, CEO of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), Owalo was on an inspection and verification mission to the facility which currently is at 30% state of completion.
“The government is committed to the completion of this project and overall, the strengthening of the blue economy in the Lake Victoria region. I can assure you that in the next 30 months it will be up and running”, Owalo reaffirmed.
The Kabonyo Center, launched on November 1, 2024, is a flagship initiative under the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries. The project aims to enhance blue economy value chains by supplying fingerlings to fisherfolk in the Nyanza region and supporting the restocking of Lake Victoria. Construction activities at the site are led by the main contractor Vitafort Agro Ázsia Zrt.
The facility is designed to house a Nile Perch Technology and Innovation Centre, an Aquaculture Resource Centre, and the Kenya Fishing School. At the core of its operations will be a fingerlings production unit, which is expected to produce up to seven million fingerlings per quarter—including tilapia, catfish, and common carp—to support both lake restocking and local aquaculture enterprises.
The annual aquaculture production in year 2021 was 21,076 MT against the projected production of 350,000 MT by 2030. There is need to invest in aquaculture to bridge this gap.Currently There exists untapped potential in aquaculture growth and diversification of fish species for food, nutrition and economic value.
Funding and Regional Impact:
The Kabonyo Center is jointly financed by the Governments of Kenya and Hungary, with a total budget of USD 9,997,000.00. The investment is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the Lake Victoria ecosystem, improve food security, and create sustainable economic opportunities for over two million people who depend on the lake for their livelihoods.
During the inspection, Owalo stressed the importance of the project not only for Kisumu County but for the entire Nyanza region. “This Center is a testament to what we can achieve through partnership and vision,” he said. “Our goal is a vibrant blue economy, a restored Lake Victoria, and prosperity for our people.”
According to Owalo, the Training center will impart modern fishing techniques to the region. Further initiatives to reinforce the fishing industry and the blue economy is the establishment of fish landing sites with adequate refrigeration to circumvent issues of stocks perishability. “With the upgrading of the Kisumu international airport, it will be possible for our fisherfolk to access and export to the international markets directly”, Owalo added.
Collaboration and Future Plans:
Victor Nyagaya, CEO of LREB, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, noting that its benefits would extend to neighboring counties including Siaya, Homabay, Migori, and Busia. “This is not just a Kisumu project,” Nyagaya remarked. “It’s a regional asset that will drive growth, innovation, and food security for all our people.”
The Center’s mandate goes beyond infrastructure, encompassing research, training, and the demonstration of best practices in fisheries and aquaculture. By equipping local fisherfolk with new skills and access to quality fingerlings, the project aims to reverse the decline of Lake Victoria’s fish stocks and restore hope to communities affected by overfishing, pollution, and invasive species. Currently, the two major cultured species in the lake are Nile perch, tilapia and African Catfish. Adoption, domestication and selective breeding of other fish species like Nile Perch, Common Carp, Milk Fish, Tilapia and Catfish will increase the number of cultured species available to fish farmers for fish farming.
Commitment to Sustainable Development:
Officials noted that the Kabonyo Center aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The project is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in the region and contribute significantly to the country’s blue economy agenda. Other objectives of the center include the increase in employment opportunities to the community, improvement of resilience to climate change through adaptive aquaculture systems and the establishment of gene banks for species diversity, maintenance and conservation.
As the inspection concluded, Owalo commended the construction team for their dedication and urged them to maintain momentum to ensure timely completion. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting projects that deliver tangible benefits to local communities and safeguard the future of Kenya’s vital water resources.
The center is designed to spearhead efforts to restore fish populations through sustainable restocking programs, fingerling production, aquaculture innovation, and community training. By bolstering fish breeding and promoting responsible fisheries management, the Kabonyo Center aims to revive the blue economy of the Lake Victoria basin, securing a sustainable future for both the lake’s ecosystem and the millions who depend on it for their livelihoods.
