Kisumu: Construction of the Sh2.5 billion Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Kisumu County has resumed in earnest after a lull that threatened the project's timelines. This follows a directive by President William Ruto to fast-track the stalled works during a meeting with Kisumu County leaders at State House last month.
According to Kenya News Agency, heavy machinery has been deployed to the site, with construction crews back on the ground, a sign of renewed government commitment to the transformative initiative. The project, which is part of efforts to revitalize Kenya's blue economy, is a partnership between the Kenyan and Hungarian governments.
Project Engineer Vundi Mbwika stated that the construction, currently at 30 percent completion, is progressing steadily. "Five permanent buildings are under construction, and we have begun excavating a canal to manage backflow from Lake Victoria and overflow from River Nyando," he explained. An 800-meter access road is being developed within the site, alongside a three-meter-wide flood canal to safeguard the facility from rising water levels.
The first phase of the project is expected to be complete by June 2026. Once operational, the facility will produce 28 million fingerlings annually from 20 fish ponds and will feature administrative blocks, dormitories, staff quarters, a hatchery, cold storage, and processing units.
Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang' Nyong'o praised the President's intervention and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing works. "I want to thank President Ruto for his commitment. He assured us at State House that the project would be delivered, and we are seeing that promise being fulfilled," said Prof Nyong'o. He emphasized that the center will serve as both a production site and a specialized training ground for farmers and fisheries stakeholders, significantly boosting aquaculture in the region.
The project is also poised to create numerous short- and long-term job opportunities for engineers, artisans, architects, and other professionals, injecting economic vitality into Kisumu County. Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock Development and Irrigation, Kenneth Onyango, highlighted the project's potential to stimulate the local economy through enhanced fish production, infrastructure upgrades, and job creation.
Onyango confirmed that the road linking Korowe to the site will be tarmacked to ease the transportation of fish and agricultural produce. The center will also provide agribusiness training to young people as part of a broader strategy to combat youth unemployment.
Residents of Kabonyo Kanyagwal have welcomed the resumption of works, with community members expressing hope that the facility will be completed without further delays. Bartholomew Ogutu, a local resident, stated, "Residents of Kabonyo Kanyagwal are very happy. The project has finally taken off after a long delay. We thank the President and urge him to ensure it is completed within one year."