A wave of optimism has swept through Kisumu County as the Sh1.3 billion Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Services and Training Centre of Excellence steadily progresses, bringing renewed hope to local fishing communities.
The project, whose foundation stone was laid by President William Ruto in late 2023, had stalled for five months, triggering fears among the fisherfolk that it might become a white elephant.
However, following a commitment by the President during a meeting with Kisumu leaders led by Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, work resumed in earnest.
The contractor, Hungarian firm Vitafort Agro Ázsia Zrt, has confirmed that the project is now 30 per cent complete.
President William Ruto at the groundbreaking of Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Cente in Kano, Kisumu on October 6, 2023.
Photo credit: Ondari Ogega | Nation Media Group
Construction of Phase One commenced in early March 2025 and is expected to be completed by June 2026. The facility, situated on 25 acres in Kabonyo-Kanyagwal Ward, will produce 28 million fingerlings annually from 20 fish ponds.
It will also house offices, dormitories for trainee fishermen, staff quarters, a fish hatchery and storage facilities.
Project engineer Mr Vundi Mbwika said that they were constructing an 800-metre access road and a three-metre-wide water canal to mitigate flood risks.
“Currently, the site employs 80 workers,” he disclosed.
A recent visit to the site revealed a hive of activity, with bulldozers in operation and five permanent buildings already under construction. In the distance, workers could be seen excavating the flood-control canal to curb water backflow from Lake Victoria and overflows from the River Nyando.
The project, a joint initiative between the Kenyan and Hungarian governments, is set to be a major pillar in the blue economy. It aims to support small-scale fish farmers, enhance food security and improve livelihoods in the lakeside region.
Governor Nyong’o expressed gratitude for the President’s intervention.“I thank President Ruto for ensuring the continuation of this transformative project. He gave us his word, and now tangible progress is visible on the ground,” he said.
President Ruto during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kabonyo Fisheries Aquaculture Service and Training Centre of Excellence in Nyando, Kisumu on October 6, 2023. The Head of State is on a four-day tour of the Nyanza region.
Photo credit: Ondari Ogega | Nation Media Group
Local residents have also welcomed the development. “We are very happy. The project is finally taking off after a long delay. We urge the government to ensure it is completed within the promised timeline,” said Bartholomew Ogutu, a resident neighbouring the site.
According to Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock Development and Irrigation Kenneth Onyango, the facility will be pivotal in restocking Lake Victoria and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices.
“Phase One is expected to be complete by June next year. The project will significantly benefit the local economy through increased fish production, improved infrastructure, and job creation,” he said.
In line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the project is already generating employment for engineers, artisans, plumbers, quantity surveyors and support staff.
Plans are also underway to tarmac the road from Korowe to the facility, enhancing transport and access for agricultural produce.
“Reduced flooding will open the area to crop farming, and improved roads will further stimulate economic activity,” Mr Onyango said.
Once complete, the Kabonyo Centre will serve as a regional training hub for fish farmers and stakeholders, supporting the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s fisheries sector and securing the future of Lake Victoria’s dwindling fish stocks.
