President William Ruto has officially opened the state-of-the-art Homa Bay Fish Market in Koginga, a transformative project set to boost the region’s blue economy and empower thousands of fish traders.
The modern market, completed ahead of schedule at a cost of Sh345 million, will accommodate over 400 traders directly, and is projected to benefit more than 2,000 fishmongers across Homa Bay County and surrounding areas.
Designed with clean, safe, and dignified trading spaces, the facility includes cold room storage units, fish processing zones, and designated handling areas — critical features aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and increasing value addition.
“This market is not just a trading center; it is an economic engine,” President Ruto said during the launch. “It will boost fish supply, improve incomes, and attract investment in support services, thereby creating jobs and stimulating local and national economic growth.”
He was flanked by key Nyanza leaders, including Raila Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Urban Development Director Lilian Kieni, who hailed the project as a major milestone in unlocking the potential of Lake Victoria’s fisheries.
Kieni noted, “The dedicated fish processing area will harness maritime resources to empower our people economically.”
The market is expected to reinforce Kenya’s push for food security and export competitiveness in the fisheries sector while improving hygiene standards and easing congestion previously experienced by fish traders.
This development is part of the government’s broader urban and economic regeneration initiative, particularly focused on empowering communities in the blue economy along Lake Victoria.
