This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
Kenya's ambitious plans to transform the region's economy through a vibrant blue economy have hit a major roadblock. Rising water levels in Lake Victoria have consumed the jetties constructed around the lake, dealing a significant blow to the government's hopes of increasing maritime trade and transport.
According to a senior official from the Kenya Ports Authority, the recent renovation of the port has also been affected by the swelling waters. The official, who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity, noted that the authority will have to wait until July when the budget is released before they can start planning on how to reconstruct the piers.
At the Kendu Bay pier, the road leading to the jetty as well as the pier itself is now completely submerged. Homa Bay too is grossly affected with residents now unable to use the jetties. The situation has put a brake on economic activities in the region, with several stakeholders forced to delay their plans to revamp transport in the lake.
Before the water levels rose, several stakeholders had been looking forward to tapping into the blue economy. A waterbus company had introduced vessels to ply the new routes, while the Kenya Maritime Authority had intensified patrols to ensure maritime safety. However, with the jetties submerged, the process of revamping transport in the lake will now have to delay a little longer.
