Homa bay: The National Government has initiated a comprehensive Sh4.6 billion project aimed at improving safety, transport, and economic opportunities around Lake Victoria. This major infrastructure and training initiative is led by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the Lake Victoria Maritime Communication and Transport project is designed to tackle safety issues, enhance regulatory measures, and boost economic prospects in the Nyanza region. KMA Nyanza Regional Director Henry Mosaru emphasized the project's importance at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay, highlighting its focus on areas with significant vessel activity.
The project will enforce a proactive safety regime, which includes mandatory training for vessel operators and the certification of boats to comply with both national and international standards. Additionally, maritime sub-centres are being established in Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori, with a central Search and Rescue Coordination Centre nearing completion in Kisumu to manage emergency operations across the lake.
Oliver Maina, Deputy Director of Maritime Safety at KMA, noted that the Sh4.6 billion investment aims to resolve ongoing issues such as substandard vessels, untrained personnel, marine pollution, and dwindling fish stocks. As part of the reforms, KMA services will be decentralized, enabling fishermen to access vessel inspection and certification services locally.
To further improve safety, the government plans to make life jackets more accessible by reducing their cost through a youth empowerment initiative. This involves training 400 youths in life jacket production, aiming to lower prices significantly.
The project also addresses the high compliance costs in the sector by training and certifying 15,000 coxswains free of charge under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, ensuring all boat operators are licensed within three years.
The initiative includes a broader youth empowerment component, offering specialized maritime training to 1,000 youths in the engine and navigation departments, preparing them for international maritime employment.
Major (Rtd.) Franklyne Toniok from Bandari Maritime Academy stated that the institution will play a pivotal role in delivering training under this project. The training will be largely conducted under the RPL framework, assessing and certifying existing skills for enhanced employability.
Beyond coxswain training, the program offers courses in engine room and deck ratings, as well as training for roles in the global cruise ship industry. Engine mechanics training will also be provided, enabling local fishermen to repair boat engines, thus improving efficiency.
Statistics from KMA reveal that Lake Victoria recorded 420 accidents between 2015 and 2025, resulting in 256 deaths, mostly due to drowning linked to the lack of life jackets. To address this, a new Maritime Safety Information System will provide real-time weather updates and navigational alerts to fishermen.